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^ 


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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


^ 


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w 


7 


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1.0 


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1.1 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


L25  i  1.4    ill  1.6 


^"^'^e^ 


^>' 


23  WfST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MS80 

(716)  •73-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 

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O^ 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notns/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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1 


MEMOIR 


OF 


REV.  ALANSON  L.  COVELL, 

'^^     OP     R,v.     LEMUEL     COVELL, 


AND    LATE 


A  P4ST0R  OP  THE  FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH 

IN  THE  GITY  OP  ALBANY,  N.  Y. 


BY  MRS.  D.  C.  BROWN, 

SISTER    OPTHPntir^T,. 

iHE DECEASED, 


VOLUME    II. 


BRANDON: 

TELEGRAPH    OFFICE. 

1839. 


■  I 


^ 


When  til 

anticipated 

farther.    J 

of  my  woi 

The  first  vc 

plan  detern 

press,  and  i 

God,  I  have 

to-night  wri 

tude,  my  Jie 

for  his  great 

ing  to  rest  o: 

biography  of 

to  put  thoir  c 

of personal  a 

of  tlieir  heave 

Whether  I 

mass  of  lettei 

responsibility 

on  nifi ;  yet,  I 

I  iiuvc  consul 

ladies  of  Jiterc 

God.    I  have 

empower  ine, 

own  mind  on 

My  aim  has  b 

journal,  as  wi 

exhibit  his  cha 

And  now  as  I 

my  home,  and 

my  dear  render 

ye  would  tliatc 


Brandon,  Tel 
August  7 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  SECOND  VOLUME. 

When  the  preface  to  the  first  volume  was  written  no  nM.. 

of  mv  work     ril  „  ""5  °'"'"'  «  'h"  ^o-ciusion - 

plan  de.c™i„«,  „„",°  '.h'"       „  2^  ""n,"/ '""  f'"""'  °"''  "- 
press,  and  ,hc  prin.or  colled  for, I,"       r  T*  ""  «^°"'S  "■ 

to-n.sln  wnllon  the  last  word  of  ,1,L.  monmf  wt?  '  ??''  '"""' 
.-de,  „„  „ea„  po„rs  „„,  „  ,l,„„k.„r,  1  ^  .J,'  ^  i':  'rf?"" 
for  his  greut  mercy  nnfl  klnrlnnoc       i  '"  "v  "ca\enJ7  lather, 

biography  of  "the  two  CoLls'^rv,  '['^ '"^'''  ''""^  ''"^ 

<o  put  their  entire  trust  h^G      'to  2o  f:3     '. '''''  ''"""''''^ 
of  personal  advantafre  and  liko   L     ?  '"  '^"^•'■'  '''^Saidlcss 

of  their  heaveulyFatl/er  '"  ''''^  '^"'^  ^^^°  "PDrobation 

Whether  I  have  made  the  wisest  possible  selections  from  t. 
mass  of  letters  and  journal  before  me,  is  not  for  me  t"  sa^    T  '' 
responsibility  of  my  work,  whether  right  or  wron     nl?'     V 
;--:  yet,rhave  -t  leaned  alto.etirer  to  n;:^;;;,:;^^^^^^ 
avc  consulted  with  judicious  ministers  of  d.c  .  sp  1   al^d  t^f 
ladies  of  literature  and  piety  :  above  all   l^.v.         T.  ^  '^^' 

God.  l  have  also  stuL'o  ^  n^'^^'^^ ^^'f  "''^^^-"  ^'• 
empower  me,  what  would  probabi;  le  ,  ^/..llr'T"  7"!^ 
"wn  mind  on  the  subject     Affe.  .11  r  "^^  ^^ar  brother's 

My  aim  has  been  to  se  ec^uth  1  u  1    "'7  'T  ^'""^^  '"■^^'^• 
Journal,  as  would  at  the   a        ti         :;":',  .r'  'T''  ''  ''' 
exhibit  his  character  in  the  varied    o         and  nl"r       '"'''  ^^"^ 
And  now  as  I  am  about  to  lav  dotrmv  p'"   ^  T'^'"'  "'''""^• 
n^yhomcand  the  sweet  charities  of  ZS  mlTu'^''''' 
;ny  dear  renders.  In  the  language  of  oufb  L  t'l  ;^  L^^^^^^ 
>e  would  that  others  should  do  unto  you ;  do  ye  eventtTthom^: 

Brandon,  Telegraph  Office,  }  ^'  ^'  ^^^  ^'^' 


August  7th,  ]a39. 


_-«f,: 


''*;: 


y.'.T' 


CONTENTS. 


VOLUME  II. 
CHAPTER  I. 


experience.  '  "^'igious 


CHAPTERII. 

Remarks;  Extract  from  Journal;  Profession  ofR.r  ■ 
Account  of  his  sister;  School  teaclil?  nn"°"'°" ' 
ment  of  preaching;  Visit  to  his  frien  "dai?,?"""?- 
Return  to  Charlotte;  Discourajemen,'  of  ^1'^' 
ond  ,isit  to  his  friends  ;  Tarrv  aT^  ,  "^  '  ^"• 
to  Addison;  Revival  th  re  Mor '!  °°"''  ^""^ 
ment ;  Sickness.  '        '  P^-'anent  engage- 

CHAPTER  HI. 

Marriage ;  Ordination ;  Change  of  ph^ce   and  .„ 
study;   Engagement  at  Hfnesbufih    %,!  ''"^ 

preaching  on  account  of  iilC^    '^!:~"  "^ 
Vermont  Baptist  Convention  ;  Removal  .rvr,      ^ 
to  Whitesboro',  N.  Y  •  Reviv»  •  p    ,  Madison, 

Five  years  engWeme^rD        [on'^'"""''"?'' 

anecdote;   Sickness;  Kindness;  Rev       '•  Pror';"! 
meetings.  '''''' ^^ '^h  frotiacted 

1* 


vi 


C0NTENT8. 

CHAPTER  IV. 


Rertections;  The  Pastor  in  the  closet,  or  the  history  con- 
tiaued  mostly  by  journal. 

CHAPTER  V. 

History  still  continued  mostly  by  journal. 
CHAPTER  VI. 

Sermon  before  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 


"%»►:. 


n-: 


MEMOIR. 


3^ 


CHAPTER  I. 

"•""""  "'■"'= '■""'"a,  sl,„,He  ,1,0  .„„,,, 
As  .ve  have  sem  in  fk  ,  ^^'^  ^(-stanicne. 

Mr.  Covel!  wa;;:  Jp  ,r;  'l""^?'^'  "'^  J-'" 
January  20,  1804.  M'e  hive  T"'  ^^""*'""  C=o.  N.  Y., 
»™ed  as  the  hope  and  d",  'tf  ""' '''  ^^»'  «'«'' 

'hose  hearts  were  saddeneT  °'d  7"' ,  "'"^'  ""^  """ 
nihilaled  by  the  deceasT  nM  '°  ''"P"  "'""sl  an- 

■race  his  onward  course,  to  vilhil  ?"""  '^'^  "^  '" 
'<;  note  the  unf„di„„,  of'h^s  h lat^r'"  T  7"""'^' 
i'ls  circumstances,  and  in  all  ,.    ™°'"'  ""^  changes  oC 

c"e  of  his  heavetlly  Father  o;hi„r'"''  '°  '"^'"'"'  '"« 
An  unusual  degree  of  nloo 

distinguished  i.i.„,°f;;tis"  ::";",  r"  """■^"""^ 

«f  love  and  indulgence  ia  which  he  "'""^Pi'"" 

necmary,  rather  than  </..„  J 1,;  ^  t'^r"';'  "'"'^'' 
of  his  moral  qualities  m,  %  ''"  "'"^'opemeot 
«byge„tlene  a„dt  rr  ""l  ^"'"^^  l""'  bro't 
ProHrns  and  harshness  wo  ,1 1  k        f,  '"'"""goment.- 

k-f.    His  hear,  ever  eZlr.K''''""'''"'  ''»  '"  ">« 
and  it  was  ever  his  s  „ra"d1^°  ^  ^»'"^  °f  tindness, 

-"est  favor.  i„deed:^Z\-fSr;St 


,%d?  -:i,i 


M  l^  M  0  I  11    OF 

was  ingenious  in  expressing  th';  benevolent  feelings  of 
his  heart,  under  the  dtlicule  veil  of  gratitLule. 

To  the  fund  expeclinsr  eye  of  one  who  delighted  to 
trace  the  lineanu.'nts  of  future  expansion  iti  the  germ, 
the  future  preacher  was  discernable  in  him  very  early, 
even  before  he  wii  tlireo  years  old.  Ilii  mind  untram- 
meled  by  the  .ommon  practice  of  teaching  smart  things 
to  chi'-'ren,  to  show  ofl'  before  company,  was  left  free  to 
choose  his  own  subjects  for  imitation.  Of  course  what- 
ever he  did,  the  more  plainly  indicated  his  ''natural 
turnj"*  and  he  used  even  at  that  early  age,  to  hold  fre- 
quent and  regular  meetings  over  the  back  of  his  little 
chair  with  his  youngest  sister  for  an  auditory.  Indeed 
so  strong  was  this  impression  concerning  him,  that  in 
after  time  when  beholding  biin  dangerously  sick,  it  was 
felt  that  he  could  not  then  die,  that  he  would  live  and 
yet  preach  the  gospel  to  those  who  were  essaying  to  com- 
fort his  distressed  mother  by  saying,  "that  perhaps  it 
would  be  best  that  he  should  be  taken  away,  as  he  had 
no  father  to  take  care  of  him— and  no  knowing  what 
course  he  might  take  should  he  live." 

Years  rolled  on,  and,  as  they  passed,  the  kindness  of 
his  heavenly  Father  ran  parallel  with  his  increasing 
wantSj  and.  as  he  mentions  in  his  journal,  "mercifully 
preserved  him  from  out-breaking  sins."  He  enjoyed  the 
advantages  of  the  common  schools  of  the  time,  from  4 
to  10  years  of  age.  As  a  pupil  and  class-mate  he  was 
loved   and   esteemed.     His   attainments   were  all  that 

I  would  not  wish,  by  this,  to  bo  unclerptood  as  believing  the 
commission  to  preach  tlio  cvoila?ting  posprl,  to  be  a  gift  of  nature. 
But  if  this  treasure  be  cominitlod  to  I'lirtlien  vessels,  arc  Ihey  not 
tX&o,  chosen  vessels?  Not  chosen  upon  emergency  from  among 
men,  but  chosen  in  Christ  Jesus,  from  l)eforo  the  foundation  of  the 
world?  and  like  their  blessed  Lord,  to  have  a  prepared  body,  to  bo 
sent  forth  like  him  in  the  fulness  of  time?  And  though  w'ith  rcf^ 
erence  to  their  ultimate  vocation,  they  may  not  generally  bo  distin- 
guished from  oihers  during  tluMr  minority,  shall  we  say  that  «o 
instances  occur  where  these  servants  of  the  Lord  give  early  and 
plain  indication  of  their  future  calling  ? 


ALAN80N    L.    COVELL.  j 

could  be  expected  fmn,    the  then  lim.w  ^ 

a<ely  removed  fro^  Cl,„  ,'     """""'  »»''  '"""edi- 

such  varied  „^el^      7:;  "'■""/''^  '""'  "P^i^nced 
'^ew  l,o„,e  at  the  no  A,       ""*""'""'  "^  «'"'■  '»  '«" 

went  with  her.    TlTe'^r         ","'"' ''"  """'  'J'-g""" 

«bout  "the  boy"  (IrZr^tt  ^"1'.^^"''  "-"'iou, 
ilioushi  for  the  morrmj  ,  °  ^  (■"horiaHon,  "take  no 
what  things  jJe  nrd.™   '  '      ''''"'^'"'^  ^'"''"  '"«»'e.h 

i«.fodirrei:":^:  !r™  ^  """=""  "■ » ^'™'- '-". 

i"S"f  God  „po?i,    ,  ,71?  ""*"'  '^""'^"''^  ^'»«- 
hisneweonnection    ^=,1    '."  7'".i'°"'''  '""-self  among 
His  lister  Co      ,     C' f"'"    ""  ""■"""»  »""  '^^P^^' 
of  his  cbaraeu'rC     T'  '""'"'  ''"  ""^  ""'"'''i-g 
-'I  noble  thought,  her  :„L„e':"r„  h-;"'"^""  ^'^^ 
was  most  salutary  and  han„v     H  "^  ^™"""S  '»''"' 

wMle  he  continuld  with'  J  st"  Zi'"""""  V''""' 
;j-  month,  attendance  w  me"r  t  oil"  "''  '" 
ll>e  years,  he  enjoyed  the  nriv  l.l     f  "  P""""  "^ 

-agri.ulture.on'liisfafen';^  "l^;;"^'-  lesson, 
P'ly  situated,  no  chan...  „f    •  '""Sh  thus  hap- 

-y  change  i;  is  E,  ZTT  "'  ''"'''  "»» '« 
hailed  the  arrival  of  1      "  '  """'  '"''"  ''^"s'"  ie 

■ionof  somethn!  m„  :  r:'"'  "^•"'  "^'"^-Para- 
■'".ily  had  bee;  ht  el  "  '"^"-  ^'"^  "^  «"  ">e 
-'ydays,and:he  a,  rrrdt'  ^'"''■■'"''=  "^  "" 
">»"ffl..o  his  second  ft  Ir-  so„T  ;7  ""'™^"''"*" 
»^"'  'hat  he  ill  kne,  how  to  bear '  He  '  '""""'■'"■ 
her,  and  that  with  *.,^„.       i,  '''°"  ^minded 

Willi  sadness,  thai  she  had  hrnl.„  ,u.  .,_ 


J^l 


10 


MEMOIR   OP 


fertant  they  had  made  never  more  to  be  separated,  but  to 
dwell  together  as  long  as  they  lived.  Not  long  after  this 
event,  his  eldest  sister  was  at  home  on  a  visit,  and  he 
returned  with  her  to  re-visit  the  friends  and  scenes  of 
his  childhood.  During  the  time  he  spent  in  that  region 
with  his  two  sisters,  separate  about  twenty  miles,  he 
enjoyed  some  further  advantages  in  learning.  His 
brother-in-law,  in  Cheshire,  Mr.  Wolcott,  gave  him  the 
opportunity  of  attending  a  select  school  there,  during 
the  winter.  He  also  enjoyed  a  similar  privilege  with  his 
eldest  sister,  in  Pownai,  the  next  summer.  Compared 
with  the  privileges  of  the  present  period,  this  was  "  the 
day  of  small  things  j"  but  we  considered  them  rich  bless- 
ings from  the  hand  of  God,  and  the  more  so,  as  he  had 
given  our  brother  a  facility  of  mind  and  strength  of 
memory,  which  gathered  and  treasured  mu^'  in  little 
time.  By  request  of  his  father  he  returned  uome  after 
an  absence  of  ten  monihs.  He  was  at  this  time  in  his 
sixteenth  year,  a  happy,  cheerful,  sportive  youth;  a  vein 
of  good  humor  ever  at  flow,  and  a  hand  ever  ready  to 
assist  a  play-mate  or  a  friend.  But  with  all  his  vivacity, 
there  was  ever  a  certain  air  about  him  that  reminded 
one  of  the  clerical  ofnce.  It  was  remarked  of  him  while 
at  school  in  Pownai,  by  an  associate  older  than  himself, 
"that  fellow  will  preach  yet,"  said  he,  ^^he  plays  just 
like  a  minister." 

Hq  was  ever  friendly  to  religious  characters,  ready  to 
lend  au  ear  to  religious  conversation,  especially  from 
ministers.  He  enjoyed  much  of  this  kind  of  society,  as 
his  second  father  was  very  generally  known  in  that  re- 
gion, and  those  who  had  been  acquainted  with  his  own 
father,  if  passing  that  way,  would  diverge  a  little  from 
their  onward  course,  to  call  on  the  relict  and  offspring  of 
their  lamented  friend.  While  in  his  fifteenth  year,  he 
wrote  aa  essay  in  praise  of  the  christian  religion,  which 


# 


ALANSON    L.     COVELL. 


a 


I  regret  is  not  now  to  be  founrl     Tf  «ro      a-     • 
his  glowing  descrip,io„  of  L    tS  ]fT"'  '"  '^^^ 
declared,  "he  never  expeced    o  e    „v  t\  ^'"' 

unworlhy."  With  a  sensiuveres  vhich  J"'  '"  ''" 
will  kno.  how  .0  appreci.e,  he"'  nVrXLeTt 
man«scr,pr  ,n  priva<e.  I,  came  into  hU  mS  „!' 
session  accicJeatally.  "loiners  pos- 

where  he  lived.    He  aUenltUT M         "o,! ttri' 

Zair  h"^'  '"-...oryagreat  part  ^^Vn ew 
lescament.    His  method  wa^?  to  Ipnm  oil  i  ,, 

frequently  committed  more  than  a  chapter  a  dav.       ' 

Nothing  unusual  occurred  to  him  after  th\.  till  ., 
about  nineteen     Th«n  •    i     /  ,  ^^  ^^^^^  ^f^^s,  till  he  was 

.^-ong  che:.s;edT;:  :;i-:  t„^: ;:  -  rr ii^ 

of  his  convers  on  of  heart  m  Pn.i         i  ,     ""f*     ^  ^P^ak 
pen  of  .he  -rra.^  t:  ":='::!'ha"„:e  T'^atf' tt 
otk  of  d  nne  grace  upon  hi.  heart,  fron,  his  own  hand 
n  was  not  wrmen  at  the  tin.o,  but  some  few  year!  after' 
During  the  progress  of  his  acaunintance  with  Ihe  hdv  he 

ouect.ons  of  those  exercises,  which  we  call  <.our  reli- 
«»us  expenence."     They  exchanged  with  each  o.l. 
.h^se  .nteresting  documents.    His  L  here  presented!       ' 

frequenter  IHou'"-  """  "'  "'"' '  '""^  ^-"  -y-'  "• 
of  IT  „  „  f       ;.™P^'^^*'™^'  ^™i"2  from  a  discovery 

thaa  »l,rn  K  '""  "'  "  ^'■°""'  ""d  'I'o  certainty 

hat  I  should  be  mtserable  in  the  world  to  come  unless  I 

repented  and  inrn»d  .^  p.j      , .        ,        '"'  ""'*«*  * 

'  ,0  (...ou.    At  such  times  I  made 


12 


MEMOIR     OF 


i 

I 


many  promises  that  I  would  amend  my  life,  and  devote 
myself  wholly  to  the  service  of  God.  During  these 
seasons  ol  seriousness,  I  used  -'  ;ifay,  read  the  Bible, 
&c.,  in  hope  of  finding  pardon  for  my  sins  and  a  change 
of  heart,  accompanied  with  such  enjoymeats  as  I  had 
heard  christians  speak  of.  These  endeavors,  however, 
were  feeble  and  heartless,  and  continued  but  a  short 
lime.  Some  new  and  trifling  pleasure,  or  some  sudden 
temptation,  would  in  a  moment  effect  a  revolution  in  my 
mind.  I  was  ready  to  comply  with  the  first  suggestions 
of  satan,  and  yield  to  the  first  inclination  of  my  wicked 
heart.  After  a  time  my  former  impressions  would  re- 
turn, commonly  attended  with  a  deeper  sense  of  guilt, 
than  at  any  previous  time.  My  reflections  were,  that  I 
had  added  sin  to  sin,  resisted  the  Holy  Spirit,  sinned 
against  greater  light  and  knowledge,  and  was  more  in 
danger  of  eternal  damnation,  than  ever.  These  reflec- 
tions were  always  succeeded  by  more  repeated  and  con- 
fident promises  of  repentance  and  reformation.  In  a 
short  time  however,  this  excitement,  occasioned  mostly 
by  fear  of  punishment,  would  subside.  Prayer  would 
then  be  neglected,  and  soon  I  would  be  again  entangled 
and  overcome  with  the  yoke  of  bondage. 

I  lived  in  this  manner,  three  or  four  years,  when  I 
began  to  think  I  had  sinned  away  the  day  of  grace.  I 
had  so  many  times  resisted  the  Holy  Spirit;  refused  so 
often  to  repent  and  believe  in  Christ;  had  resisted  such 
strong  convictions;  sinned  against  such  degrees  of  light 
and  knowledge,  that  I  thought  I  had  committed  the  un- 
pardonable sin,  and  that  there  was  no  mercy  for  me.— 
Such  impressions,  however,  were  not  lasting;  something 
still  assured  me  that  it  was  possible  for  me  to  find  par- 
don and  mercy  from  God,  notwithstanding  all  my  ex- 
ceeding sinfulness  and  vileness.  I  would  then  as  form- 
erly have  recourse  to  the  Bible  and  to  prayer.    But  anon 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


18 


Jikejhe  swine  that  was  washed  to  its  wallowing  in  the 

Wlien  I  was  abour  fourteen  years  old,  I  was  more 
senously  awakened  than  ever  I  had  been.    I  though! 
this  the  last  opportunity  that  ever  would  be  granted  me 
to  receive  Christ  and  his  salvation.    I  resolved  to  seize 
the  favored  moment,  and  began  to  pray  with  some  ear- 
nestness,  that  God  would  have  mercy  on  me.    My  feel- 
ings  however  again  declined.     I  again  felt  desirous  for 
more  tmie  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  life,  and  engao-e  with 
those  around   me  in  youthful  amusement.    I  felt  unwil- 
ling to  leave  my  young  associates  and  all  their  pleasures 
so  soon.    I  must  have  opportunity  to  gratify  those  in> 
clmat.ons  and  passions  which  I  ^ound  myself  unable  to 

In  this  state  of  mind,  I  found  no  method  of  relieving 
myself  from  present   uneasiness,   and  of  silencing  my 
fears  of  the  future,  but  this.    I  retired  alone,  and  entered 
mtoamost  solemn  engagement  before  God,  that  if  he 
wou  d  spare  my  life  till  I  was  seventeen  years  old,  I 
would  most  willingly,  and  most  certainly,  renounce  eve- 
rything  but  religion,  and  devote  the  rest  of  my  life  en^ 
tirely  to  his  service-but  till  that  time  I  must  have  liberty 
to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  the  world.     This  measurably 
satisfied  my  mind  at  the  time,  and  I  returned  to  a  course 
of  vanity  with  little  remorse  of  conscience.    After  this 
I  passed  my   time   much  as  I  had   before,  sometimes 
awakened  and  resolving  to  turn  to  God,  but  most  of  the- 
time  well  pleased  to  continue  in  sin.     When  the  age  of 
seventeen  arrived,  my  promise  occurred  to  me,  but  I  had 

before  that  by  this  time  I  should  have  so  far  gratified  my 
worldly  inclinations  that  I  should  be  satisfied,  and  desire 
tliem  no  morp      Thfo  «Tor.  „  .i„-__.---.       -r     ..... 

.  .,,^  „„-,  a  ueecpuon.    msreau  ol  bem^ 


14 


MEMOIR     OF 


satisfied  with  what  I  had  enjoyed  of  the  world,  I  had  but 
just  begun  to  enjoy  it.  I  thought  a  few  years  to  come 
would  be  more  propitious  to  worldly  pleasure,  than  any 
former  period  of  my  life.  For  this  reason  my  inclination 
to  continue  in  sin,  was  stronger  than  ever,  and  my  desire 
to  become  religious,  proportionably  weak. 

I  thought  it  a  heinous  sin  to  violate  a  promise  so  sacred 
as  I  had  made,  and  thought  too  this  might  be  the  very 
last  opportunity  I  ever  shou]d  have,  to  repent  and  luin  to 
God  J  still,  such  was  the  ascendancy  which  sin  had  gain- 
ed over  me,  that  through  its  influence  I  resolved  to  hazard 
all,  for  the  sake  of  a  few  years  pleasure,  which  I  hoped  I 
should  be-  permitted  to  enjoy.  About  the  time  I  was 
nineteen,  I  was  very  seriously  awakened,  in  consequence 
of  ill-health,  to  reflections  on  death  and  another  world. 
I  had  no  apprehension  of  immediate  dissolution,  but  yet 
the  thoughts  of  dying  were  continually  with  me.  I  kneiv 
most  certamly  that  in  my  present  situation  I  was  wholly 
unprepared  for  happiness.  I  viewed  myself  the  chief  of 
sinners,  a  vessel  of  wrath  fitted  by  my  own  sins  to  de- 
struction. 

I  viewed  myself  a  criminal  before  God,  justly  con- 
demned to  endless  misery.  It  appeared  ceriain  that  I 
should  perish,  I  had  so  long  lived  in  open  violation  of  the 
commands  of  God — had  so  neglected  and  despised  the 
great  salvation,  and  so  long  resisted  the  Holy  Spirit,  that 
my  damnation  was  sealed,  and  I  must  be  miserable  for- 
ever. What  tended  to  confirm  this  opinion  still  more 
was,  the  hardness  of  my  heart  and  the  stupidity  of  ray 
feelings.  I  could  think  of  being  cast  off  at  the  left  hand 
in  the  day  of  judgment,  and  of  being  banished  to  black- 
ness and  darkness,  to  be  tormented  forever  in  the  keenest 
despair  and  remorse,  and  not  be  moved  in  the  least. 

I  thought  surely,  if  any  person  on  earth  was  ever  giv- 
en over  to  hardness  of  heart  and  blindness  of  mind,  I 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


16 


.0  condemn  me     T  ,.  ?         ,       ^''"''  """=  inspired 

and  .heg„"pT,hr:„,;:„'""^,?''»''  condemned  me, 
6  -l)fi,  me  only  hope  oflost  s  nncrs,  I  had  f. 
je.ed  again  a„d  again,  and  that  God  lo  aven.l  ,Z 

h  .h,s  suuanon,  which  coniin.ed  but  a  sl.orui  n    si!' 
ihing  seemed  once  more  to  remind  ms  ,U.,  T 
ret  in  my  case  a  po.iWe  hop:,";:'  ^4  God  the"  Z 
forg.vness  that  his  name  might  be  feared 

lt"t\'['r"  ^'"^  '"-"^^  P'"''°»  «>«  »f>er  so  Ion.  a 
course  of  rebelhon  against  liim,  I  could  most  wi  linM. 
pra-se  his  name,  and  obey  his  commandments  Si 
ad  berng.  I  accordingly  began  to  pray  ,h  t  he  w  uM 
i.ae  mercy  on  me,  and  I  resolved  to  continue  prayini 
and  ,f  must  perish  to  perisb  at  his  feet,  acknowkS 
IHS  justice  and  imploring  his  mercy.  I  soon  fou  d  m^ 
elf  unable  to  pray  as  I  ought  in  consequence  of  an  2 
eehng,  stupid  heart.    1  had  always  th  ugh    bele  ,  at' 

ess  n  me  ,„.,,"'  .'™''  "'™='"  "  "'^S'''"'"'  ^vicked- 
ness  in  me  to  attempt  to  pray,  when  my  heart  was  so  far 

from  God,  and  so  averse  to  him.  I  began  to  t  rklhad 
never  been  convicted.  I  began  then  to  pray  fo  conviV 
:V"  continued  to  for  two  or  three  lys,  but  ,„  "o 
avail.  I  found  myself  still  stupid  and  unaffected  I 
'l>en  thotight  I  might  have  entertained  w  on"  ea's  of 
conviction.    I  beo-in  in  ii>;„i.  •,  ■      ,      '  meas  oi 

tnowlerlo^  J   -1  ■"  "  consisted  more  in  th» 

Umledge  of  sin,  than  m  the  fears  of  hell.  I  thou-ht  f 
ad  a  knowledge  of  sin,  but  I  could  not  mourn  for"  ii' 
■he  manner  I  ought  before  God.  I  then  be^an  to  ti  nk 
more  particularly  of  repentance.  I  thoughtlt  co"  sh  d 
n  godly  sorrow  for  sin,  and  in  forsakin.of  it.  Ico  ' 
-r  I  was  sorry  I  had  sinned,  and  was  willing  ro  fo  s    e 


16 


MEMOIR    OF 


'J 


sin ;  but  I  did  not  feel  that  degree  of  sorrow  which  I 
wished  to.  I  longed  to  have  my  heart  broken  to  pieces, 
and  melted  into  tenderness  before  God.  But  this  was 
not  the  case.  I  was  still  the  same,  continuing  to  pray 
for  conviction  and  repentance,  but  finding  no  relief.  I 
viewed  myself  lost  and  fallen  indeed.  I  knew  I  never 
could  repent  of  sin,  nor  love  God,  nor  believe  in  Christ, 
with  the  heart  I  then  had.  I  found  by  experience,  that 
God  alone  could  give  me  a  better  one.  I  had  tried  to 
alter  it  myself  and  tried  in  vain.  From  myself  I  had 
nothing  to  expect,  but  a  continuance  of  sin  and  iniquity. 
I  found  all  I  ever  had  done  was  to  sin  against  God  and 
t  feared  it  was  all  I  ever  should  do.  Indeed  I  knew  it 
was,  unless  a  change  was  effected  within  me.  As  I  was 
in  this  slate  of  mind,  thinking  of  my  sins  through  my 
life,  I  began  to  think  of  the  goodness  of  God  to  me.  It 
appeared  greater  than  ever  I  had  viewed  it  before.  I 
endeavored  to  recount  some  of  the  many  blessings  I  had 
received  from  him,  and  the  manifold  mercies  he  had 
conferred  upon  me.  I  iound  indeed  that  goodness  and 
mercy  had  followed  me  all  my  days.  His  mercy  and 
kindness  appeared  not  only  great  beyond  conception,  but 
peculiar  on  account  of  the  unworthiness  of  the  object  on 
tvhich  it  was  bestowed.  What  surprised  me  most  was 
this :  I  found  that  for  all  these  favors  and  blessings,  I 
had  never  been  once  thankful  in  all  my  life.  The  sin  of 
ingratitude  appeared  to  me  in  some  measure  as  it  was, 
and  what  I  still  lamented  was,  that  I  could  not  even  then 
thank  him  sincerely  for  one  among  a  thousand  of  his 
favors.  I  perceived  that  in  my  dejjraved  heart  there  was 
nothing  like  gratitude  to  a  benefactor,  or  love  to  a  friend. 
This  view  of  myself  was  humiliating  indeed.  I  never 
had  such  discoveries  of  my  sins  before.  I  thought  for- 
merly I  was  a  great  sinner,  but  now  I  found  myself  a 
vile^  guilty  sinner.    I  immediately  began  to  pray,  that 


ALAN80N    L.    COVELL.  jy 

prayers  /o,  this  were  a,  ineffec.ual  as  They  had  be  nZ 

emained  the  same.    Nothing  could  .-nove  or  soften  ^   I 
however  continued  to  pray  for  a  heart  of  grati  utthat  I 

:'5aT'"  •'"''  ""^"^'^  '■"'  l"^  Sood„e°s,     A       wa 
engaged  in  prayiag  for  this  at  n  PP,-n,-„   «• 
.    ^  ^1         r     r     e,  iwi  ima,  ai  a  ceuaia  time  m  on  ;« 

stant  there  was  a  vew  Tpplinn.  .,.,m  •  '         '^  *^" 

had  ever  before    een  a  st  anfe'   /IT  "^  %'"  "''''^''  ' 

ful  for  the  mercies  I  entved      T,         '-'""" f"''  ">'">''- 

■<-'^'es  1  enjoyed.    The  moment  I  Ihouoht  nf 

anyof  h,smerc,os,my  heart  would  befilled  with  4fif„de 
and  praise.    And  whpn  T  rn«^-     i  "  vvim  graiiiude 

but  a  glass  ofco  d  water  mvf't.r''  "'""' ''  "  ^"^ 
.ifof  God-O  bless  ht'^Le"''  '  rtS.''af  t'h'^ 
•.me  however,  that  1  had  been  born  a.l        ?^       , 
greater  work  yet  necessarv     T,  !       °   ,  """"S'"  * 

didnotWeGodasIo„"rto     rlrir    ;^  "^  *"'  ' 
.-e  .hankfu.  for  his  m^^     ri,,  ^S  a^ '  Z  X 
«on  for   ,s  character,  and  that  attachment  to  1  mltl" 
desired.    I  thouoht  his  character  i„/i„;,e|/amirbl!a„d 
lovely,  and  wished  to  have  my  whole  hpnr,  T 
hiaj,  .ha. .  m,Vb.  love  him  with^'^Um     '      .  'ZZ" 
»gly  made  .1,,   ,he  burthen  of  my  cry  to  the  Lor<     , Li 
he  would  give  me  a  heart  to  love  him  entirely,  to  the  i 
elusion  of  other  objects.  '  '*" 

happy  I  could  find  no  rest  to  my  spirit,  and  no  evidence 
of  a  change,  till  ihe  love  of  God  should  be  shed  abroad 
m  my  heart.  My  prayers  ho^vever  did  not  alter  1 
feelings.  All  remained  just  as  it  had  been.  I  reso,v"5 
to  importune  the  Lord  day  and  night,  till  he  did  grant 
my  request.  About  one  or  two  days  after  .his,  as  Iwas 
engaged  lu  prayer,  it  appeared  to  me  that  the  Divine 


18  MEMOIROr 

presence  filled  all  the  place  where  I  was.  1  heard  no 
voice,  saw  no  appeal,  .'  e,  but  received  a  deep  impression 
never  to  be  forgotten,  that  God  was  present.  My  hard- 
ness, impenitence,  and  unbelief,  which  before  had  caused 
me  so  much  anxiety,  now  seemed  all  to  depart  in  a  mo- 
ment. 1  thought  they  would  return  no  more  forever.— 
My  whole  mind  and  soul  was  filled  with  a  joyful  view 
of  the  Divine  grealnes?,  goodness,  glory.  He  was 
altogether  lovely,  beyond  all  conceptions  1  had  ever  had 
before.  I  now  thought  I  loved  Him  with  all  ray  heart. 
The  more  I  thought  of  Him,  the  more  my  love  increased. 
His  justice,  love  and  mercy,  all  were  themes  for  con- 
templation, which  opened  sources  of  new  and  endless 
enjoyment.  Fear,  doubt  and  anxiety  were  all  absent 
from  my  mind.  I  thought  myself  the  happy  possessor  of 
perfect  contentment,  peace  and  joy.  I  felt  relieved  from 
everything  which  had  rendered  me  unhappy.  When  I 
thought  of  my  fellow-men  I  loved  them  all.  I  could  not 
see  how  it  could  be  possible  that  men  should  hale  one 
another.  And  how  it  could  be  that  I  had  harbored  such 
feelings  as  I  had  toward  some  of  them,  I  could  not  tell. 
They  were  all  now  passed  avvay,  and  1  thought  all  the 
rest  of  my  life,  was  I  permitted  to  live,  should  be  one 
continued  demonstration  of  "good  will  to  men."  I  felt 
determined  to  tell  tliem  all,  what  the  Lord  had  done  lor 
me,  and  devote  my  life  wholly  to  his  service." 

But  the  grateful  determination  to  declare  to  ''«//" 
what  God  had  done  for  his  -soul,  was  not  at  that  lime 
made. 

The  cause  of  delay  could  not  have  been  a  want  if 

evidence  that  he   had   "passed  from   death  unto  life." 

But  whatever  prevented  a  piiblic  profession  of  faith  in 

•  the  Lord  Jesus,  his  happy  change  was  well  known  to  his 

mother  and  the  family  at  the  time. 

In  a  conversation  on  this  subject,"  some   three  years 


-anco.  He  ccne  ou.  of  r '?  '"  T  ""'''  ""'■"'• 
•he  "ime  he  mentions  of  h,ivi„?bl'  "  ■"'  '''"'''"'="  « 
"'he  Divine  presence  »  JJ", ,    ,    '""'"'  '"  '^^'We  of 

G°1-"    She  said  his  whCv  4 '  «'      "  .'"'"^^  '^  '"•'"  "C 
*<!,  and  he  scarcelv  3eom  d']  i^  '""'"S^'''  ^"P^d- 

ffoss  of  .ho  houLMd  I        ef:"f  °'  '""'•    '^'» 
the  reader  lo  sug-cst   and  ,1 ,      ^    ^  ""aginaiion  of 

WlHle  my  ,„„,,,„  "^_,^^  21  ;,'■        . 
">;  "honghts  reverted  ,o  .he  .lory^o  .IT.  """""""''''• 
"here,  as  iho  Wess,^d  Savin     .""''"'^S'"^"'™. 
te,  countenance  was  fuZ    aTdT' '  ""'•  ''*^'"°"  "^ 
white  and  glislcrinin.,  "    n IL  '"!    '■""»™'   was 

"hi^  face  shone  as  ,he";u„°"r""".''^'    "■"•"'    ''• 
»'  'he  light.    If  „,e  |!'r.^';^°       '  ,'""'^"'  -^"^  '^hi'e 
'h"s  be  irradiated  wl.rhe?et    ."n  T"""""''  »»/ 
""■"t  of  "that  glory  which' .    ,  \"'''  "''="  ^'>'"1  "= 
"when  .his  corr' pt   ,e    '  :,  t "  '"'''''''"  '»  "V 
when  this  mortal  sl,a»  I'i  t  ?  """.  "''  '"'=''™P'io«, 
*»'h  shall  be^^alWedtpof^^  ,?  ™r""''''^'  -" 
appreciate  such  a  hope  for  L  !      °  '^"''  "  ''eatt  lo    «.,■ 

oa,"  and  through  all  of  ?ln      ^'  "'"  "  '^'H  '""k  ri„h. 

-^  'Whuiation,',,,:!' :.;"  7rci.r''  '^"'"'"'- 

"s  m  the  gospel."  ""  "^^     He  set  before 


•M\: 


<4lt 


Remarks 
Accoui 
raent  oj 
Return 
ond  vis 
to  Addi 
ment :  , 


In  this  SI 
iess  than  c 
The  Ape 
ation,  and 
all  we  are  j 
forget  to  " 
with  sad  an 
been  indula 
"Savior's  A 
"the  voice 
rebuke—"  O 
shall  I  be  wi 
our  friend,  M 
height  of  nei 
behold  "the 
Him  of  "  his 
at  Jerusalem, 
into  silence, 
to  prove  the  ui 
bitterness  of  e 
the  blessed  ni 
"Jesus  rebuke( 
<Jeaf  spirit,  I  ch 


*'-*«S0«    L.    COVILL. 


81 


CHAPTER  II. 

Relurn  lo  CImIwJ-  iVJ^"''"'''''  t.'""  lo  preach . 
end  visi,  ,0  l.i,  mUd^rr  "f  "r^'  °f  '■"""Sec: 
to  Addison  ;  Revival  Ihere.  S,,  Saraloga;  Reium 
niMt ;  Sickness.  '  **""'  P'^fmaneni  engage- 

"  Go 'hou  and  preach  (he  ki„jj„„„f„„,,„ 

In  this  sublunary  world  v.h=,  ''""'  ^'"'"'■ 

less  than  change?  '      "  """•'  '=""''».  more  cease- 

The  /l/ws«e,  went  down  frnm  ,i 
»'ion,  and  could  „ot  caso^°l"'.?  7""' "^ ''"»»«««- 
all  we  are  prone  to  /.as7on  ,L  " ,      ""'?  'P'"'-"    Atid 

with  sad  and  fearful  domination  p  "'  '^'"'  "  "'«■» 
been  indulged  lo  be, ,™  '2  "  '"  """  '^'"' ''»''« 
"SaWor's  Maieslv  "  aL  T  ^je  wunesses"  ofour 
"•ie  voice  ouVof '.he  exce llenT  ,'""  """'^'^  '■^"'' 
rebuke-"  O  faithless  and  nf        ^    '''    '~"  """  ">« 

»^aii  I  be  with  yol  to^c'i  :r„«rsr '■""■  '•-'^  '-^ 

our  friend,  Mr.  Covell   on  A^J    ,      J'^"  y""  ?"    S" 

ieightof  new-born  love  wtr';    .%r  "'°  «'"^'' 
behold  "ihe  Kin<.  i„  h?,  r   ,    ,^  ^"''  ^'"'  """"^d  '» 

H™  of  "his  decease  whic^" ?';"''  '"  '""'"  ^^^^ 
»t  Jerusalem,"  afterward  b.l  ''™  "accomplished 

i«.osilence.  ButXrh l  ,reVC;r?';f  "'^P"" 
'0  prove  the  unsatisfying  naiu  ^  of  ''j"^  """"'^'i  Wm 
bitterness  of  not  confessin.  hL  1  r  °"'  ^°^''  """^  ">« 
'be  blessed  mandaw  "  brin"  k  ?  """' '"'  '«""«<• 
"feus  rebuked  .h  oul  i  fc  Td  I'  ".'"  ""=•"  *»* 
^eaf  spirit,  I  charge  thee  cS^trriV^i-f 


fl  M  CMO  IH  OF 

more  into  him."  From  ihat  hour  he  bugan  to  amend 
and  with  "  great  boldness  "  to  magnify  that  blessed  nauie 
which  "hath  power  on  earth  to  forgive  sins.' 

In  his  journal  of  after  years  he  thus  pathetically  ad- 
verts to  the  period  we  are  now  retracing. 

'*  At  the  time  of  my  conversion,  aged  nineteen  years, 
I  was  very  hai)py  in  the  love  of  Christ,  and  »   lly  deter- 
mined to  give  myself  up   to  him  without  reserve.    I 
sought  his  blessing  and  his  guidance  in  all  my  ways,  ;uid 
choae  his  spirit  a3  my  great  instructor  in  all  things,  with 
a  sincere  dclerminalioR  to  obey  his  teachings  in  all  things, 
whether  I  read  these  instructions  in  his  Iljly   Word, 
or  felt  them  in  my  own  spirit.    For  a  considerable  time 
I  enjoyc'l,  as  i  thought,  the  Divine  influence  upon  my 
heart.    I  v  as  happy  in  prayer,  in  reading  the  Bible,  and 
in  other  duties.    13ut  some  duties  I  felt  reluctaut  to  per- 
form.''   I  did  not  come  out  openly  and  own  Chiist  be- 
fore my  young  asfeociaies,  and  join  with  cliristians  in 
prayer  and  all  religious  duties  as  1  ought.    I  did  not  make 
a  public  profession  of  religion,  but  disobeyed  God,  by 
refusing  to  do  what  was  plainly  and  solemnly  impressed 
upon  my  mind  as  duly.     Soon  I  met  my  old  associates, 
and  instead  of  having  the  decision  to  avov/  my  princi- 
ples before  them,  and  confess  myself  a  christian,  I  was 
silent  about  religion,  and  joined  in  with  them  to  a  great 
decree  in  their  wicked  conversation  and  amusements.— 
So'on  I  resolved  to  give  up  prayer  altogether,  to  openly 
say  I  had  been  deceived,  that  1  had  no  religion,  and  then 
thouijcht  I  might  go  on  again  with  my  old  associates  in 
sin.    1  well  rccoHect  the  day  when  I  made  this  resolve. 
I  felt  condemned  for  so  doing.    I  knew  it  to  be  an  awful 
sin.    I  !ri  ^w  the  profession  I  was  going  to  make,  that  I 

*0  how  be  nccvle.l  a  ('uilhf;!! 'iiudor  shepherd  to  tiike  him  by  the 
hana'aivj  U>u.l  hiai,  but  tltcro  was  none  uour.  'i'he  iiui.tistclmrcli 
iu  his  town  \\an  several  miied  ui;itunt,  lu  u  low  state,  aud  without 
a  settled  piutor  ut  ihut  time. 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL.  jjs 

tenderest.uuvingsofthellon  ""^.^^''^''^  °S="nst  the 
and  „an„,  '..Z^^;^,;:;':  -^'''- ,  '  -""  •«. 

ar-er  .«  „„e«  „,„,«  h,  uX:^  ^;;.,;™'  "'--"  •<> ««" 

God  once  uJlTZ'"  "i"'''  '"  »' =""=»»!'- 
me  .he  pardon  of  Z'  ',.  ^t  T''  "'"  •"™»"='' 
an  open  cunfe.sion  of  ,„v  '  ,,;;^,  ^^''y  ^^l  >»^1o 
I'avinj  ,„  deparlod  from  God    •  ""^  '"'''"'"'^^N  » 

must   .,o,v  be  a  chri       „    ^ti         ,""  T"""  f""""'  ^ 

'hough.  .  my  du,v  .o  1  \  h    !"  '      ?"•    '  '"'^  '"■''''™ 
ed  .0  cr.r  upon  a  .  *"'    "''  '''"''  """  '''■solv- 

■owards  me    II  lo„...ufrer,r    ,,  "''"'""' 

humble  l.-for.  Him'and  I'  ''i  '^  "'^  '"  '"-■  •"«" 

his  me«y  anli  "a";."         "'  '  "'"■'  "'^'"  ''^'"^  ">  «'<" 

moral"    „r       ''"."«"■'»<>' °nly  noihins  "openly  !,». 
d^esi  „  »';:;  v'"  *'^''°"""'"'  """-S  .his'periodtf 

influence  'He  u/'T"°*  ''"''  ""•"  "  -^"^'eni^S 
•    "®  ^  "  ever  dis.inauished  fn,  «,.„;,i;_- .,.- * 


24 


MEMOIR     or 


* 


and  contentions,  and  the  anti-quarrelling  air  he  ever 
exhaled,  like  oil  upon  ihe  waters,  shed  a  tranquillizing 
tendency.  I  was  about  to  relate  an  interesting  anecdote 
in  point,  but  forbear  on  account  of  the  feelings  of  others. 
Soon  after  he  came  out  and  acknowledged  his  Savior 
openly,  he  wrote  his  eldest  sister  the  following  letter: 

"  Charlotte,  June  30lh,  1824. 
Dear  sister : — I  gladly  devote  a  moment  from  numbers 
which  are  misimproved,  to  the  performance  of  a  duty 
which  has  been  too  long  neglected.  We  received  your 
short  letter  last  winter,  with  pleasure;  and  were  happy 
to  learn  of  your  welfare  and  that  of  your  family.  I  shall 
depart  from  the  common  method  of  apologizing  for  for- 
mer delays,  knowing  that  excuses  for  past  errors  are  but 
poor  compensation,  in  competition  with  future  amend- 
ments. But  while  we  are  chargeable  with  neglecting 
our  earthly  friends,  are  we  not  more  culpable  in  neglect- 
ing the  great  Friend  of  mankind  ?  I  have  to  acknoAvl- 
edge  that  my  neglect  in  this  respect  is  more  painful  to 
me  than  all  others  of  which  I  am  conscious.  I  have  to 
lament  that  I  have  such  a  wicked  heart  of  unbelief  which 
so  often  leads  me  from  niy  Savior.  But  alas !  how  often 
do  we  complain  of  the  blindness  and  hardness  of  our 
hearts,  when  in  fact  we  are  wilfully  blind  and  hardened  ! 
Do  we  endeavor  to  soften  our  hearts  by  repentance? 
Do  we  in  any  degree  endeavor  to  humble  the  pride  of 
our  hearts  by  reflecting  on  the  great  sinfulness,  the  deep 
rooted  depravity,  and  the  astonishing  uncleanness  of  our 
nature?  Do  we  sufficiently  realize  that  we  are  but  dust 
and  ashes,  entirely  dependent  for  every  enjoyment  on 
that  God  whose  favors  we  have  forfeited  by  a  wicked 
rebellion  against  him,  whose  injured  law,  and  slighted 
gospel  both  demand  justice  to  be  executed  against  such 
despisers  of  the  manifold  grace  of  God.  I  would  not, 
howeveFj  be  understood  to  reckon  others  as  wicked  as 


ALANSON    h.    COTELL. 


25 


I  rM,"""!!  Ihe  abundant  merer  of  our  God  I 

coic  J::sidtd'r':'arf;'T  ^"^=^^,  "• 

departure  fro,n  „.e  .ru.Mro  dl LrT  .fersfo'f 
chns.,  and  brought  gu.lt  and  condemua.ion  on  my  o  ° 
soul,  whtch  has  caused  ho-ror  orconscionce  and  To  mos" 
bitter  repentance.    But  I  do  at  present  fee!  iil,e     !  we 
corned  prod,gal  in  hi,  father's  house.     Tae  ef   e  ht 
with  me,  my  sister,  if  a  sense  of  my  own   ZZ  21 
should  make  the   same  evil  prineii,|/i„   „  i  " 
extremely  odious,  .hough  it  isT.To'co^.aS'LdXd 
and  suffered  to  predominate  in  ,he  mi„d.    j;„/i  ,'"1''^ 

dSV:  i„r '■'■'""  "'  '""  '""'   ^"■"•'   « "i^  -' 
he  way  of  ooed.enee,  !.. -..vi„g  „,„,  .  „,„  „,  »   " 

iransgressor  is  indeed  h-    '  -     '  "."y  oi  ine 


oi 


!  j> 


verny  proi^ss  to  be  ehi,d;;n  o/:;!";;;;;;::;;^;^^;:: 

hold  fast  the  n,„h  ouce  delivered  lo  .!,e  .al,,,.  »    T  n   ,  ° 
improve   the  exhoi-.aiion  of  the   Ato-ik-    '  ,  ' 
the  hiddon  ii,:,  .■    ,-  ,  -Mobile,      to  renounce 

Ilie  h.dden  tl.ugs  o/  dishonesty  r.nd  v.,-,!!,-  „o  ,,c,o  in 
craftiness,  neither  l.„„lle  t„e  word  of  «,„i  Co  „llv 
but  y  manife,s,a.io,.  o(  tru.h  eo.nn.end  our-lve  ^  ^e!; 
man's  consc.enee  in  ,he  sight  of  Gud."  Le  „^o  on 
our  way  rejoicing,  knowing  ■■  that  gro^.or  i,  he  ,Lu^ 
for  us,  than  all  .,„,,  ».„  again,.  „.,>  v,  1.,,  ,„',  e  ' 
perse=u..o„,  .e,„;„a,i„n  and  trial,  fnnvn  „„on  L       Hath 

:i;inrrb:e'':rb'^''"''^^-"'''-^^»"^^^^^ 

peace     vl,  u,     ''f^"''.''*' '"^  ""'""in  him  we  hay. 

come  thJ    '    ,  „   ,  "  "'  «""''  ^'"^'■■^'  '■»'  he  hath  over- 
come the  world,"  , hen  sw,f,|.-p„3s  a  few  more  year, 
glide  sw,ftly  on  ye  fl,.etin,  .non.hs  which  part  us  fro™ 
our  Savior  and  our  God.    O  my  sister.  l,n  „r,a.-"  I  " 


■■*/  -m 


26 


MEMOIR     OF 


'..II 


courage,  for  our  redemption  draweth  nigh.  Lei  us  en- 
dure like  good'  soldiers,  and  ere  long  we  shall  receive  an 
unfading  crown  of  glory.  Oh,  what  are  all  our  sufferings 
here,  in  comparison  with  that  glorious  grace  "which 
shall  be  brought  unto  us  at  the  revelation  of  Jesus  Christ." 
O  this  blessed  hope !  'tis  full  of  immortality.  But  I  leave 
the  heavenly  theme—had  I  the  tongue  of  an  angel  I 
could  not  utter  half  the  glories  ol  Redemption. 

Through  the  mercy  of  God  we  all  enjoy  a  good  meas- 
ure of  health.  Our  parents  have  been  absent  five  weeks 
next  Saturday,  on  a  visit  to  Hamilton  and  other  places. 
They  left  home  in  a  very  low  state  of  health,  and  expect- 
ed to  tarry  a  few  days  at  the  Springs  in  Saratoga.  We 
have  heard  nothing  irom  them  since  they  left  home,  and 
their  ill  state  of  health  occasions  some  anxiety  ;  but  we 
hope  the  good  hand  of  our  God  will  bring  them  again 
to  their  family  in  peace. 

Nov/;  my  sister,  I  must  bid  you  adieu.  I  long  much 
to  see  YO'J  and  your  family,  that  with  you  I  might  be  re- 
freshed by  the  consulations  of  the  gospel  which  are 
neither  few  nor  small.  Give  ray  love  and  sincere  regard 
to  Mr.  Brown  and  your  dear  children.  May  the  God  of 
peace  be  with  you  and  preserve  you  by  his  mighty  Power 
through  faiih  unto  salvation.  In  all  your  prayers  remem- 
l>er,  Alanson. 

July  7th.  Since  the  preceding  date  our  parents  have 
returned  from  their  journey.  They  left  Cordelia,  [Mrs. 
KendrickjJ  iu  a,  very  low  state  of  health— they  fear  she 
will  go  iuio  a  settled  decline.  The  rest  of  their  friends 
wer^  all  well. 

To  his  sister  Wolcott  he  writes  thus: 

"  CharloUe,  7th  July,  1824. 
Dear  Sister:  -Whpu  I  review  the  time   which  has 
^lapsed  since;  I  saw  you,  it  appears  like  a  dream.    Can 


*'AN80N    L.    COVELL.  ^ 

it  be  possible  tbat  almost  fl„. 

Tba.  so  much  of  oTZiZ  '""'  "''  '°  '~"  S^^^ 

ceptibly  passed  a>vay?    Ah,  r°"' '""'  '""^  "'"^  '"'P"- 

vain.  Heavily  indeed  hf.TfT'  "'"  ""'  '"''■^■'  «  i" 
passing,  but  once  fled  Ind  f  ""^T""  "^  »^  ">^y  are 
flight,  and  lament  therl^  J"""  "  °'  "'^''  ^"^"""^ 
stall  guilt  appalusiniLT  '  '^T'"'"'-  ^l"^'  how 
■noments"  shall  b^™  I' f  '" '''^''  ""'"''^"'•1 
ll"'nk  hoiv  fast  Ihi!!      -         ''^'^  "'•    kittle  do  we 

"er  that  this   a      's\t LXT^f  f'    ^;' '"  "'  ^--- 
W»S  ns  ,0  our  g  a.es'    Tbi       "  ',"'  "'^'"  ™'"  ^~'' 
year  lo  year  will  wafrus  ,„,!,,  ''"'^''''   "■''"''''™  '■™m 
'here  is  „o  return     oh     °.h   T"'"'  ^"""  ^''^'^ 
appear  in  this  grea't  dat      1?  '  ''""^  ^'"'"  y"»  =-"!  I 
Dare  we  a.  -his'^oL       ^^et  .^  ["r^ '"  ""^^  ''^ 
•ate  our  departure  to  a  world  „notT^/"°"'  T' 
onihcrocltof  a^esi    H;,v„      "7"°"'=''    Are  our  feet 
teyond  this  valelf  •tea"/;?         ^"^  ^'^'''  ^-'=''« 
our  crucified  and  risen  Je'.>n.  r    1""'"  '''^  s'^ength  of 
valley.    With  Ch   s,  foro''      '^'''  '™'"  P^"  ""e  dark 
With  him  for  ou    cum<-°         T"';  '™  ^'"  ""  ^"'- 

»f'f  "o,  death,  wiri  ■..::!.  T"™'r' 

■s  thy  vicory !  Thanks  be  to  God  t.,n  '  ^'"?'  ""'"^ 
v«ory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Cri"  'cl  ,"'  '"' 
s'hle  that  such  unworthy  creatnril  "  ''"  P"^' 

e»Joy  so  comfortable  a  hope". T!/f  '"'  "'■''■  ^l'™'<' 
marvellous  in  our  eyes     W^ll  "'''  '™"'i^'-ful,  >,i, 

"''ehoid  what  «a«::  -ofit,?:^' r  ^T^l-'r""""-' 

^7»^>esswf::i:;-::::,r,;:''::,:f;>yorth^^^ 


'•^'  -4/  '-'^^ 


m-%' 


28 


MEMOIR     OF 


of  the  character  of  God  was  this,  and  how  little  are  our 
hearts  affected  by  it.  How  can  we  be  so  cold,  stupid, 
and  lifeless,  in  the  glorious  cause  of  religion,  in  which 
we  are  so  deeply  interested?  Are  we  the  people  for 
whom  Christ  hath  died— for  whom  he  endured  the  re- 
proaches of  a  gain-saying  world,  became  a  man  of  sor- 
rows and  acquainted  with  grief?  Hath  the  Son  of  God 
done  all  this  for  us,  and  can  we  thus  live  in  disobedience 
of  his  most  righteous  commands?  even  fearing  to  own 
him  before  men?  Oh,  what  hearts  must  we  have  to 
shun,  nay  despise  this  blessed  Jesus.  If  angels  were 
astonished  when  the  mighty  God  himself  veiled  hisGod- 
head  in  humanity  to  accomplish  our  salvation,  what  can 
express  their  speechless  wonder,  when  they  behold  us 
openly  spurn  the  offers  of  mercy,  and  trample  under  foot 
the  gospel  of  the  Son  of  God?  O,  why  are  we  not 
melted  into  contrition  before  him?  How  can  we  be  so 
ungrateful!  How  can  we  thus  harden  our  hearts? 
Shall  the  rocks  rend,  and  the  graves  open,  and  we  not  be 
moved?  Shall  the  sun  be  veiled  in  darkness,  and  hide 
in  the  gloom  of  midnight,  and  man  not  blush  before  his 
Maker?  Shall  the  moon  be  turned  into  blood,  and  we 
never  drop  a  tear?  Shall  the  dead  forsake  the  tomb  at 
the  horrid  sight,  and  we  gaze  without  emotion  on  the 
sufferings  of  the  mighty  victim,  and  hear  with  unconcern 
bis  dying  groans  which  shake  the  earth  to  its  centre! 
Why  do  we  not  mourn  when  heaven  is  rolled  in  sack- 
cloth? Why  do  we  not  weep  when  our  Savior  expires? 
Oh  that  our  eyes  were  fountains  of  tears,  that  we  might 
weep  day  and  night  for  our  ingratitude — for  our  sins 
which  are  so  dishonoring  to  God,  so  ruinous  to  ourselves. 
How  strange  it  is,  that  we  are  so  attached  to  this  world. 
It  would  seem  that  in  our  present  condition  we  should 
have  the  fear  of  God  continually  before  us.  Indeed 
considering  the  shortness  of  life,  the  certainty  of  death, 


^■•ANSON    i..    COVELL.  ^ 

and  our  exposure  thereto,  we  ou-ht  t„  p- 
as  though  ii  ,vere  our  la,  H  "t  "'  ""'  """"""" 
•hat  my  people  were  L  t  r^  T  °^  '"•  "«''■ 
.l.oy  would  consider  ^C  i^^.'l!'"':;  '"." 
prophet,  "Theoxknovveth  his  owner  ,  f  u'  '''''  "■" 
master's  crib:  but  Israel  LT  ,  '  "''  ""^  "'^  his 
not  consider."    E.       1  °  ^,  "°'  '?"''"  =  -"^  P^°P'e  do 

putfarawayt  e    vi  'draTar  "'^"  =°  f-=-' «od,  to 

«-..  How  luo.  do' ;  I  on ,:  :;"L;r "  "^  ""- 

minds.    Hoiv  acii™  nr^  J  '""'  """Pi'  «" 

-».e  Of  world,  z:::z  ix^XsITso'''''^"- 

«^r  Di.s.se(l  be  his  name,  that  he  hn/h  »«.  i  r 
Jnmself  without  witnesses,  but  that  in. I  ^"^' 

that  feareth  Him  and  wnrl  .,i     •  ^"^^'^  "^^^o«  ^e 

of  hin.  Have  lot^j;''^'''''''''  '^  --Pted 
of  his  witnes.ses  is  d.: ^ L"  '• '"?  ^'^"^  ''^^  ""'"ber 
them  comin.  Aom  tl  I  '"7^^^"^=^  ^o  we  not  see 
^^e  east  ana  tT.;;:;:^^^^^^ 

proachin.  whoa  the  sons  of  God  si.'''.      '  ''" 

and  his  daughters  frnm  ,i         ,  "^"'"^  ^'"°'"  far, 

"'^^.^uiers  trom   the  ends  of  the  pnnl,?     rn     ,' 

'he  present  is  a  day  of  wonder^      ui  ^'"^^ 

set  time  to  favor  Zion  ll  .        °''  ''''''  '^^^  the 

lavur  iCiion  lias  arrived      Ti.o  ^j    • 

of  the  Son  or  God  is  snroadin"  f  ,  =  '""'  «°'P<^' 
■he  barbarous  shores  of  Afr^  h  ''"''  '""''•  ^^"'  o" 
feus  is  unfurled  a"d  ,1  /■  '''"''''  ''^'"'"^  «f  ^i-g 
.rating  the.ns  n-s  "  o  d  f'?  t?''"'''""^  ''^^  P™^" 
confessing  .bat  t ^L  .s  oTd  "n  ™f  "°f>  """""^ 
work  stop  here      Tb,.  Z    ■  .      '  """^  ""^  blessed 

lite  flat,,!:,  r  ;ralJ      T^'  "'!'"'  ""'-"'S  SOspel. 

region  of  ,„dia,  ,sca:;e    1  t' it,  .'rt.^  'r'^""'^" 
">g  the  knowled-e  of  the  Ji  V       '  ""^  'P''"''- 

■iirection.    Haorw    ,?„."'\S'°"™^  Redeemer  in  every 

we  who  see  i^  '  Kini        f  ""'^  .'"^ '    ^^-PP'"  ^""  -• 
It.    Kings  and  prophets  desired  .0  "»  i- 


^■m-m% 


30 


MEMOIR    OP 


W 


* 


but  died  without  the  sight.  And  let  us  remember  that 
we  also  have  something  to  do  in  advancing  this  blessed 
cause.  Let  us  humbly  devote  our  hearts,  and  fill  our 
hands  with  good  gifts  unto  the  Lord  and  pray  earnestly 
for  the  upbuilding  and  extension  of  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom. 

Our  parents  have  returned  from  H.  Our  dear  sister 
K.  is  evidently  declining  in  health;  we  fear  her  time 
with  us  is  short.  May  our  God  be  better  to  us  than  our 
fears.  *  *  *  *  *  ♦ 

Ever  your  affectionate  brother, 

A.   L.   COVELL. 

He  was  baptized  not  long  after  this  dqte,  by  the  Rer. 
Peter  Chase,  of  Hinesburgh,  a  few  miles  distant,  and  I 
believe  soon  after  his  mother's  return  from  visiting  her 
sick  daughter  at  Hamilton.  And  here  we  may  pause 
and  admire  the  goodness  of  God  toward  that  mother,  in 
thus  setting  the  day  of  prosperity  over  against  the  day  of 
adversity.  Of  all  the  daughters  of  her  mother,  Mrs. 
Kendrick  (or  Cordelia)  had  lived  v/ith  her  parent  most. 
In  addition  to  the  admirableness  of  her  character  in  all 
the  varied  relations  she  was  called  to  sustain,  she  had 
become  endeared  to  her  mother  by  long  and  unreserved 
communion.  She  had  been  very  much  her  mother's 
ministering  spirit,  and  they  had  "  taken  sweet  counsel  to- 
gether, and  wallied  to  the  house  of  God  in  company." 
After  her  marriage  and  removal,  her  letters  were  a  rich 
source  of  consolation.  But  now,  all  Avas  to  be  changed. 
The  woman  of  many  sorrows  was  to  lake  again  of  the 
cup  of  affliction,  and  taste  an  untried  anguish.  A  mes- 
senger appointed  of  God,  had  bidden  that  much  loved 
daughter  "  to  set  her  house  in  order,  for  she  should  die 
and  not  live."  And  now  in  addition  to  the  consolations 
of  the  spirit,  which  are  neither  few  nor  small,  God  was 
preparing  a  balsam  for  that  mother  in  her  hour  of  need, 


by  gradua 
the  enjoy r 
alted  privi 
the  grace  c 

Young  ( 
and  autum 


I  paused  a  : 
passage  cccuri 
ticular  refleclic 
mind  at  that 


ALANSON    L.    C  0  V  E  I  L  .  31 

i,  gradually  bringing  forward  her  only  son,  not  only  ,o 

.  eenjoynr.en.0.  new  covenant  blessings,  Lut  to  tbl». 

.led  rnv,l.ge  of  proclaiming  the  unsearchable  riches  of 

the  grace  of  God.    Verily,  "  he  doeth  all  things  well  " 

Young  Coyell  remained  at  home,  during  the  summer 

mg  the  sacred  scriptures,  and  such  other  v..ruin.,s  as  had 
beartns  on  the  responsible  vocction  he  fel:  cali^ed  on  .0 
assume.  And  here  as  tofchir.g  his  in^pr^^sions  of  mind 
on  the  subject  of  preaching  :he  aosp.!,  ,ve  e.trac.  a  p  !e 
from  an  occasional  journal. 

II        r       ■  "  ■''"Mison,  Jah  3J  1007 

I  have  fo,.  a  long  time  omitted  tvriti.g  any  of  he  eL- 

;SLr  "'""'  '"  "■'■"^■'  '  "-'"  "^-'- V  no  nZs 

I  have  now  some  inlentior.  to  commence  a  journal  ai:d 
keep  tt  regularly,  that  in  foture  I  may  have  s  metMn.  .^ 

g^ida  and  assist  my  thoughts  in  reviewing-  th     ntf    ? 
™  --.^ie  if  I  hud  kept  a  regular  journal  of  m'y    me 
since  I  coiBmenced  preaching,  it  would  be  of  much  ad 
vantage  ,0  me.    I  shall,  however,  recollect  wha    I  cat 
of  the  most  important  tilings  which  have  transpired  and 
commit  tiie/>i  to  v/ritin-r  auoiureu  ana 

About  two  or  three  days  after  I  hope  God  ...ave  me  a 
gracious  eviuence  that  my  sins  were  forgive  nflwr  in 
u  apartment  of  my  father's  house  en^a^ed  in  1.  , 
prayer.  Suddenly  these  words  occurred  ^  m  Z,TX 
have  appeared  to  thee  for  this  puipose,  to  marr,l  ' 
n-mister  and  a  witness  bothof'tb'e  tl  g^fhllt  .1' 
te  seen  and  of  things  which  I  will  hereirfter  shot  Zl 

I  paused  a  moment  and  proceeded.    After  praver  th« 
passage  occurred  to  me  agai.i,  and  occasioned' ome  .1, 
'.cular  reflections  on  it,  and  wh,,t  should  bring  iuo  mv 
mm  at  that  time;  and  for  what  purpose  i.%  0    d  b 


Ai^  ;*.i^  ,;; 


33 


MEMOIR     OP 


impressed  on  my  mind.  By  such  reflections  I  soon  be- 
came impressed  with  the  idea  that  it  was  my  duty  to 
preach  the  gospel.  I  however  thought  I  would  not  give 
too  much  credence  to  this  impression  for  fear  I  might  be 
imposed  on  by  my  own  feelings.  Whenever  I  prayed  I 
felt  it  my  duty  to  ask  of  God  wisdom  in  this  particular.  I 
desired  not  to  be  deceived.  I  had  for  a  Utile  time  flattered 
myself  that  it  might  be  all  a  deception— that  I  should 
find  it  to  be  so  soon,  and  it  would  all  leave  me.  But 
the  more  I  prayed,  the  more  these  impressions  followed 
me.  I  then  began  to  feel  an  opposition  to  the  idea,  and 
tried  to  banish  such  thoughts  from  my  mind.  They  still 
continued,  and  I  began  to  feel  condemned  for  resistinf^ 
them.  I  concluded  I  would  not  fight  against  God,  but 
would  try  to  keep  my  mind  from  being  biased  one  way 
or  the  other,  believing  something  in  Providence  would 
soon  determine  the  case  for  me." 

At  the  beginning  of  winter  he  was  invited  to  Addison, 
a  few  miles  distant,  where  his  step  father's  only  daughter 
was  settled.  He  there  engaged  in  a  school.  About  the 
close  of  the  term,  and  on  the  14th  of  March,  [1825J  he 
ventured  on  the  great  and  responsible  work  of  becoming 
"the  messenger  of  grace  to  guilty  men."  His  preach- 
ing seemed  an  illustration  of  the  word—"  open  thy  mouth 
wide,  and  I  will  fill  it,"  being  both  extempore  and  exu- 
berant. It  pleased  God  lo  give  him  favor  with  all  who 
heard  him,  and  he  was  frequently  solicited  to  preach,  by 
people  from  different  sections.  His  brother-in-law,  Wol- 
cott,  passing  through  that  region,  he  improved  the  oppor- 
tunity to  re-risii  his  elder  sisters,  and  the  people  where  he 
had  formerly  lived  His  coming  to  them  was  like  the 
coming  of  Titus,  refreshing  the  hearts  of  those  to  whom 
he  was  sent.  He  was  welcomed  and  sought  after,  both 
for  his  father's  sake  and  his  work's  sake.  He  found  his 
sister  Brown  in  deep  aflaiction,  having  recently  buried  aa 


ALAM80N    L.    OOVELL. 


33 


inleresting  child,  and  her  own  healih   »„,i  „  ■   . 
much  affecled.     To-elher  ,Z„   ■  """''  ''^T 

friend  .0  friend,  from  2e  ,   Icf"?'''  •  "'"""'  '"'"' 

^^  r-H,  dweu  anTv::i!:^o rr  :,tr:t 

.on-bow  elecnlying  the  sound  of  hi,  voice     aVL 
..ood  m  .hose  desks  his  never  forgoUen  paleTh,  . 
occupied,  man,  were  melted  ^.^ZXl't:^ 
from  the  associations  of  memory,  the  mann.    „f  I 
preachingwa,  calculated  to  ^'JoleLZZl  thant 
funess."  He  so  exhibited  <he  amazing  love  of  his  SavTor 
whchwas  h.s  darling  theme,  that  i^  was  imno  slle  , ' 
hear  and  rema.n  unmoved.    In  prayer  he  was    ver  f  r! 
eo..  ever  appropriate,  and  ever  new.    The  people  in  P^ 

r  .hTr  'pa's  ^^rjorni'^1  '%rf  -^ 

..hadso„„ited^.heh.a.t^7:,'a;°:l^t:^:S 
his  earnest  desire  for  farther  literarv  nnri  .u    ,         !^®^ 

pment,  they  oirered  to  V^o^Z^'^^;^ 
tahtytobeobtamed  out  Me  the  walls  of  a  semina  v 
At  Saratoga,  too,  where  his  uncle  raided  there  wl?7" 
.rgent  call  for  him  ,o  settle  there,  but  fina  1     he  voceof 
hsrelauves  and  friends  a.  the  north,  (that  is  at  da  o«e 

led        h'^""™"'"'  ''^""^'  "•^  ^PP''-«-°^  >ve  have 
named    and    he  eventually    returned    to    Addison 
Most  0  the  spring  and  summer  were  spent  in  CheTh"^ 
Pownal,P..,stown,  Saratoga  and  their  vicinities  w  th  he 
mepuon  of, wo  journeys,  one  to  Chariot  e  the' Iher  to 

OearSis.er=-Ihave:?br:'h,f:-t--„ 

on  as  I  expected  when  I  left  Pownal,  on  ac  oun"  of 

»ot  amvng  home  as  soon  as  I  ejtpected.    I  left  Saratoga 

ta  week  on  Monday,. „d  arrived  at  Charbile  oTf^! 

<l«y.    Left  OM  friends  at  the  Springs  all  in  ,he  enjoy- 


34 


M  RMOIR  OF 


ment  of  he&lth.  The  time  I  spent  iti  Piftslowh  and  at 
the  Springs,  after  I  left  Pownal,  was  in  some  respects 
lonesome,  in  otiiers  more  pleasant.  The  Sabbath  I  spent 
at  Saratojja  was  quite  as  agreeable  as  I  ought  to  have 
enjoyecl.  Though  destitute  of  that  feeling  sense  of  ihe 
gi'eatness  of  tho^e  solemn  iluties  I  was  trying  to  dis- 
ciiarge,  and  the  majesty  of  that  God  1  was  so  feebly 
trying  to  serve,  I  felt  soma  little  f-'sedom  in  endeavoring 
to  preach  Christ  cruc'fled  as  the  power  and  v/isdom  of 
God  to  these  who  are  called.  Elder  Averil  providential- 
ly called  at  ihe  Sprinjc^s  ?.nd  .spent  the  Sabbath.  I  had 
the  opportunity,  which  I  had  long  wishaJ,  of  hcarin^^ 
the  "Joyful  sojnd."  In  the  evening  I  endeavored  to 
speak  again  of  the  glory  of  Christ  and  his  kingdom.  I 
formed  a  very  agreeable  acquaintance  v/ilh  ElJer  Way- 
land  and  some  of  llie  brethren  at  Saratoga.  While  in 
Pittslown  I  heard  from  Elder  riatteson.  Himself  and 
family  were  well.  The  Sabbath  before  he  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  immersing  eight  who  had  received  the  word 
gladly.  God  grant  that  great  fear  may  llil!  on  all  those 
who  hear  these  things,  and  may  the  Lore]  add  to  the 
church  daily  such  as  shall  be  saved.  Yesterday  I  spent 
the  day  in  Addison.  The  church  in  that  to\vn  appear  really 
like  sheep  without  a  shepherd.  May  the  Lord  send  them 
a  man  in  his  own  liiveness.  It  is  certainly  true  that  the 
present  is  a  day  of  declension  in  many  departments  of 
Zioa.  Iniquity  abounds,  and  the  love  of  many  waxes 
cold.  People  assent  to  the  truth  of  the  Bible,  and  many 
are  numbered  among  the  lovers  of  Jesus,  but  they  do  not 
feel  the  momentous  weight  of  eternal  truth.  Many 
there  are  with  liberal  tongues  and  idle  hands,  like  ihe 
son  in  the  parable  who  promised  his  father  to  labor  in 
his  vineyard  and  went  not.  Many  there  are  who  pray, 
thy  kingdom  come;  but  where  are  their  exertions  to  ad- 
vance this  kingdom  ?    Is  it  not  insulting  Jehovah  to  pray 


fof  h.s  coming,     a,)  ^aU-  no  fn\rt  ,,>  „ 

it.t incense  is  oirensiv.-.hatL.a^f''  T  ""'  ''"'"' 
»re  an  abo™in„ion  .0  (;od  i  ,,  Z  K  ""  '"""' 
Do  we  not  know  ,),,.  hi.  1      .  ''"'"  ''  »''^""' 

;./e  is  in  ,he  wroni?  Do  t  ""1  ""'  ^^  "'S'"'  ^h^" 
abundance  of  ,  e  iL^J"  ''°',''"°"  """  f™""  "■« 

Do  we  not  Know  Z  1 "  e  ;  'nT^^'""'''''''' 
most?    Do  we  not  l-nnw  nf    ,  "  "'"'=''  '™  «"» 

is  our  treasure?    AoTv        ™  ?  ""  ''"''"'  "'^  ">"«= 

-.-,bei!di:c,'rdct;r''''''^ 

treasure  is  in  the  world  and  nJ^  V  .  "'  °°'''  O" 
•re  ever  so  .assidl  in  ,t  1':,''°'' '  \»''  "«'"S'>  we 
duties,  we  are  but  »!         ■       f'"'>'"'S'^  <>f  our  wonted 

of  Christ,  .'It  is  not  e  ery  on?  'h    TaT  "  ""'  """'' 
Lord,  shall  enter  n,v  ki„?d„r"  ^  """■  ™'  ^""'' 

thou  not  thyself  also'  I  H,  f^?"  ""'"'  '''''"'' 
»entably  deLien.t'ha.  Lartf:;;'.'  '""  """  '  ^^  '- 
'0  adorn  the  Christian     lit<!  ^  '''''•''''  ""«'" 

^own  to  the  eletl;:"  of  the  .o'^r'T:  '"  •^""t. '"""<' 
aged.  I  find  my  ,,_, ,".,.'  """''""'  '^'""""- 
receive  little  o7no  comfor  i„  t""^"'  "'"'  ''■''''''''■  ' 
unless  tnr  feelin-s  airf      .   '^"''  '"  P"^'"'''-    And 

«nd  the  sacred  desk      I  f  '"'""  '""  "S«'"  ''^- 

trials  at  all-n„  cti,  ■    ""',  """^  '^"''  "^  ""'ward 

•<-  iavite  bit  urge  me  on    If  7"''^  ""'  '"'"'  ""'  ""h 
i>ui  urge  me  on.    But  uti  p<««5  'irri.f  i^„„  i 

m  mind  from  some  source  I  sl^ii «,  "         ,^'  "'""' 

Resist  from  all  public  dutTes     tf?''' f""" ''"'"^'^ 

""  be  influeuc  J  bytZl  1",'"^^''"'' "'«"  ^''""W 

r»p./,  When  my  oJC!l:t:T;i'r'  "-^"'^ 


Jd 


MBMOi  n   or 


rather  let  my  tongue  cleave  to  the  roof  of  my  niouih. 
Let  my  rigltt  hand  perish.  Let  ail  be  taken  from  me 
rather  than  dishonor  the  cause  of  Gud  by  presumptuously 
attempting  to  set  forth  its  truth. 

I  can  not  see  to  writt  more.  My  best  regaids  to  all 
enquirers.  Love  to  Mr.  Brown  and  the  children.  We 
are  all  well.    Ever  yours,  A.  L.  Covell. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown. 

By  the  advice  of  friends,  the  reply  to  this  letter  is  also 
submitted. 

"  Pownal,  June  15,  1825. 

I  feel  for  you,  my  brother,  in  your  trials  and  discour- 
agements of  mind,  respecting  your  unfitness  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  and  with  sincerity  respond  to  your  sea- 
timent  of,  "God  forbid  that  you  should  ever  be  influenced 
by  worldly  motives  to  preach  a  holy  gospel."    But  let  us 
consider  a  moment.    Is  not  this  treasure  committed  to 
earthen  vessels,  that  the  excellency  of  the  power  may 
be  of  God?     The  mission  of  the  gospel  is  designed  for 
unworthy  creatures;  "?iof  the  righteous,  but  sinners  are 
called  to  repentance."    Now  how  shall  the  preacher  de- 
pict in  living  colors  the  unworthiness  of  man,  unless  he 
feel  it  in  his  own  bosom  ?    And  how  shall  he  have  fel- 
lowship with  the  sufferings  of  his  blessed  Master,  unless 
he  occasionally  endure  the  same  things  in  his  own  mind? 
Think,  O,  think  of  the  enormous  load,  when  he  bore  the 
sins  of  the  whole  world  in  his  own  body  ou  the  tree !! 
All  that  you  and  1  can  feel  of  guilt,  of  woe,  is  as  noth- 
ing, and  less  than  nothing  in  comparison. 

You  speak  of  darkness  within.  Think  for  a  moment 
of  the  horror  of  that  darkness,  that  utter  desolaiion, 
when  the  precious  victim  cried  out,  "  My  God,  my  God, 
why  hast  thou  forsaken  me?"  But  what  did  the  holy 
sufferer  do?    Did  he  shrink  from  duty?    Did  he  resolve 


in  be  eji 

angels  ( 

ceededj 

could  sa 

The  s 

to-night. 

Jesus,  go 

adore,  an 

in  the  mc 

June  1( 

renews  Ji 

over  dark 

the  "Son 

worthy  to  i 

hope  to  pa: 

ant  over  ih 

captivity  c 

and  remiss 

treat  you  m 

ward  undisi 

pocrisy,  nei 

from  humiii 

your  suflicii 

reward.    W 

the  lowest 

mend  to  sin 

■'iie  salvation 

Plealfe  givi 

write  soon  to 

He  did  retu 
ij's  pen  are  ti 
second  visit  a 
f^e  amiss  to  in 
there,  wrote  rn 


ALANaoN    L.    COVEL^ 

"  »  *i  t.  r^ .  ».«, 

^0  be  exonerated  from  k.» 

-g.1,  .0  e/lec!  h.sTbctr/rN"'"";'*'  "'"  ""  °""  '•'" 
cwrferf,  meokly  bowed,  reverenii.M  '  ,  '"°'""-''y  P™- 
c»uld  say  ic  Is  /i„i,|„j'  ^J';"""")'  '"''nmied,  „„,il  h. 

'"•"■gl"-    Bu.  go,  .hou  d  :    dU   ,  „  1"f Tr""""""' 

adore,  and  follow  .hi,  as'oa^h:;^."  X"""™'''"^' 
in  the  mount."  *     i>a'tej-n  shown  thee 

OKT  darkness?    Mav  .,q,°™      -^      "*"  "'^^ '""mph 

A"  "Son  of  ri„„fo:„::  ;r  rrar  "k  "'^■''-^"'  <"• 

wor.hy  ■„  suffer  wi.h  our  Lord,  ^.ylZ^,   ."^  ""■"«'• 
Lope  .0  participate  in  Lis  rei..„  ?    M  Jl!         '  '"""'"« 
an.  o.er  the  unbeliei'of  our'otvn  ItearL     M '""  '"""'''''- 
oapunty  eaptive,"  and  receive      el      7  "'  "^""^ 
and  remission  of  sins     I.\n,ii„        \  "PMIance 

-younottoyieidlodlitri;^^^^ 
ward  undismayed.    Trials  never  wer.  7  '"  ^'"- 

pocrisy,  neither  does  a  sense  of  unZ  "T"'"'  "^  ''y 
"om  hun,ili,y.  Trust  in  God  7W  "?o  "''  T""' 
your  suffieieney,  your  strength,  yo^I„r  """'""'•■"■ 
reivard.  Were  you  never  bro^^l  t  down  Zl,  ^T  ^"'' 
•ke  lowest  hell,"  could  you  apoeiTte  '°  '^ '"^""'^  "f 
mend  to  sinning  ,.a„,  th'e  dei  a^l'  :" /" "  ~™- 
:he  salvation  there  is  in  Christ  the  I  "ord%       '"''"'P"""' 

Wea*  g,ve  my  love  to  our  dear  moihor'ind  f,.-     , 
>vme  soon  to  the  sister  who  an.iousl^^Z' Jou^  reX":'       • 

D.  C.  B." 
He  did  return  not  lonir  after  nnrl  fi.„ 
t'spenare  two  Poetic  ^J' "in",  ^    ,:,;^  -f  ^  ^om 

second  visit  at  Cheshire.  Of  .hose  tvvo  vi  'I  ""  '"' 
be  amiss  to  insert  the  subslanee  of  wha  h  "  ""^  "'" 
•here,  wrote  me  concerning  them         '       """  ''^'""'^ 

.9* 


I 


*4;# 


^'^ftt: 


^'  '^j  -k' 


38 


MEMOIR    OF 


"  Some  of  the  scenes  in  Cheshire,  when  brother  was 
down  in  April,  were  deeply  interesting.  It  was  known 
to  but  few  that  he  was  here,  until  we  entered  the  covenant 
meeting  together.  At  the  close  he  was  invited  to  pray. 
He  complied,  and  as  he  up-lifted  his  hands  the  whole 
church  melted  into  tears.  And  the  next  day  when  he 
arose  in  the  same  desk  which  nineteen  years  before,  his 
father  had  occupied,  the  suddenly  dropping  heads  of 
the  elder  part  of  the  congregation,  bore  testimony  to  their 
deep  emotion.  His  voice  as  a  messenger  of  God  in  place 
of  his  lamented  parent,  sent  a  thrill  through  the  hearts  of 
all.*  In  both  visits,  his  labors  in  prayer  meetings  with 
those  of  more  public  occasions,  were  manifestly  blessed 
to  the  good  of  Zion."  We  proceed  to  insert  his  para- 
phrase [one  of  the  two  poetic  pieces]  on  Eph.  ii,  1:  "And 
you  hath  he  quickened,  who  were  dead  in  trespasses  and 


sins. 


j> 


"  Time  was,  when  we  were  dead  in  sin, 
Strangers  to  our  redeeming  Lord, 
And  O  how  good  our  God  hath  been. 
To  reconcile  us  by  his  word. 

With  worldly  passions  we  were  filled. 
Exposed  to  Satan's  fatal  snare  ; 
But  now  our  hearts  are  reconciled, 
And  we  in  Jesus  richiv  share. 

With  pride  our  hearts  were  lifted  high 
Above  all  holiness  and  good  ; 
But  now  we're  humbled,  now  we  die 
To  sin,  and  live  to  God. 

We  were  condemned  by  God's  just  law — 
To  everlasting  death  exposed  ; 


I 


*In  person  and  look  he  very  niiich  resembled  his  father.    He 
was  something  taller,  his  forehead  more  lofty,  and  his  visage  longer. 


J 


*I-ANSON    L.    007ELL. 

ButChris,  our  helpless  misery  saw, 
And  h,s  own  blood  ie  in.erpo' ed. 

His  own  right  hand  wiped  ,11  our  tears  • 
H'S  We  bestowed  made  us  rejoice 

H  »  presence  banished  all  ou  ftar;. 
H'spra,se  raised  IWgh  our  tnnefuTX. 

Lonj  as  we  lire  we'll  bless  his  name- 
In  climes  unknown  we'll  ,in„  ,7^"°' 

f -all,  Will  praiseleS,""'"^"'' 
And  sweetly  bow  before  his/ace." 
Lines  originallv  Writien  ;„  .1,     «  „ 
Cheshire,  in  the  suU:" 0    s^'b/i  -/  '/'i^nd  in 
ed  on  this  passage-  ^      ^'  •^"''^''-found- 

"Pear  not  little  flocfc.  ■,  , 
live  yon  the  Kiiijdom."  '  ''"'"  ^"''°''''  Sood  pleasure  ,„ 

mo'Tol'I'Tf"''''"^""'"''^'^"''. 
Who  lollow  Christ  our  Lord  and  Kin- 
More  numerous  those  who  will  noTh:; 
The  blessings  which  he  came  to  bring 

Yet  fear  ye  not,  ye  little  flock; 
The  Lord  ha.h  spoken  peace  0  you  • 
You    .opes  are  built  upon  that  roc 
Which  satan  oanau  overthrow. 


39 


Toomwhelmtifioussoul;     ' 

Krit'>"'''^-'''™'''s'^'es, 
»v  nere  rising  piefsures  ever  roll. 

Fear  „ot  though  persecution  rise, 

ThatGon""'^""""'"' ""'«"»-; 

f  hat  God  whose  word  shakes  earth  ai^d  sties 

Hath  sworn  he  will  avenge  his  nam.  '' 


I 


mM'  '^,i  ,,i 


40 


1«  B  M  0  I  R     OP 


The  Heavens  reveal  eternal  wrath, 
To  those  who  dare  offend  his  saints  5 
That  soul  who  sins  against  the  faith, 
In  hell  shall  lift  up  long  complaints. 

Yet  fear  ye  not  whose  names  are  writ 
In  the  great  volume  of  the  Son  ; 
On  thrones  of  glory  you  shall  sit, 
And  share  the  conquest  he  has  won. 

O,  happy  hope  of  joys  unknown, 
And  bliss  immqrtal  in  the  sides — 
Endless  delight  before  the  throne, 
Thrice  happy,  happy  paradise. 

Ye  feeble  few,  break  off  your  tears, 
Behold  your  great  Deliverer's  nigh  ; 
Away  all  doubts,  away  our  fears. 
While  God  is  ours,  we  can  not  die." 

His  stay  in  Cheshire  was  not  long ;  neither  did  iie 
tarry  long  at  this  time  in  his  more  central  position  at 
Pownal,  having  promised  to  re-visit  other  places.  The 
next  date  is  from  the  place  of  his  nativity. 

*^Pittstown,  July  11th,  1825. 

Dear  sister:—!  devote  a  moment,  according  to  promise 
to  inform  you  that  I  am  still  alive,  and  have  abundaat 
cause  of  gratitude  to  God  for  ■Hbontinuance  of  his  mer- 
cy and  grace.  I  am  beset  on  IHk  side  with  the  sjtender 
mercies  of  God.  Since  I  saw  ffroj  I  have  enjoyed  some 
hours  of  sorrow  and  some  seasons  of  joy.  I  '•till  feel  en- 
couraged in  feebleness  to  declare  me  mercy  of  the  Lord,  & 
utter  the  memory  of  his  great  goodness.  Oh,  how  pleasant, 
how  divinely  pleasant,  to  stand  in  the  courts  of  the  Lord- 
to  behold  the  beauty  of  the  Lord,  and  to  enquire  in  his 
Temple.  This  have  I  desired  of  the  Lord,  and  this  only 
will  I  seek  after.    Wljea  X  contemplate  the  glorious  work 


in  wliioh  God  i,  ea<raw,1  ^ru  ■     ■ 

knowledge  ofhimself"  ^1    """"Smgr  the  world  to  the 

instruments  in  the  accompli  i'  """^   ^«^'''''  '»<"-<oi 
purpose,  .y  sou   mavTel  teT",'  °"''"  ""«  *'^»*^<' 
'»>-„,  and  exclai„,wrh,hep    .'"•'"""'"'""'  ""'"'- 
i'igl.  above  the  heavenT  and  1,1^     ?k'"'  ^'^  ""'V  is 
clouds.    Jusuee  and  j  Xe„    are  t  Tk'''"'  """'  '"o 
ili'one.    Mercv  and  ,,,.,^    !  ,,        ""^  habitation  ol  thv 

"s  then  pray  arne  ll  ,K      '  '° '"''"'  "'^  ''''«•"    Lei 

.wnir^itrb^r-"- 

Pieased  ,0  attend'^v  i~r't"'?-^''i^'''^ 
Pmstown  are  aU  in  .he  e»joySr'„'  .Z^:^""'  '" 

-  -e.T;e';rrpe:;t^^ '  -.--'-  ^^^^n 

^«''-'.i'^o„,a„dlstrgl:ds.<!'Mr"Irn"''^^'" 
Yours,  in  hopes  of  seeing  you.  soon,'     * 

Soon  after  to  his  brother-in-law :  ^'^'  '^°™'-''' 

The  former  half  sheet,  if  you  please  IM,  p 
Jou  may  g,.e  to  .be  aJNtryiug£:  ""'•  ''°"'"' 

We  will  tali  o'er  these  matters  again. 

Thtt  '',7  "f  V"  '■"•'  ""^  '^'"'^''"^  'eeeiVd, 
In    whi   '"''"'" '""^S^^o^^lio^i 

'Ttt::di;n;oi:s:r::-"^^^^^«-v 

May  friendship  between  n^  k« 

Bpin«.  f      1  /  ''^''^een  us  be  ever  suicere. 

Being  founded  on  ^0,^  ^^  trutii ;  ' 


% 
-♦ 


mv* 


§ 


0 


42 


MEMOIR    OF 


And  when  Ihe  calm  times  of  old  age  shall  draw  near, 
We  will  talk  o'er  the  seasons  of  youth. 

May  our  souls  lichly  share  in  the  blessings  of  God ; 
May  Christ  be  our  prophet  and  king; 
May  we  both  be  prepared  for  his  blissful  abode — 
And  his  praises  eternally  sing. 

We  will  think  of  each  other  with  friendly  delight, 
While  we  at  a  distance  remain; 
And  whenever  we  meet  whether  by  "day  or  by  night, 
We  will  talk  of  these  matters  again. 
Most,  respectfully  yours, 

A.  L.  COVELL. 


Saratoga  Springs,  16th  August. 
Very  dear  sister:— I  have  long  been  waiting,  and 
have  many  times  called  at  the  office,  in  hope  that  I  should 
receive  some  intelligence  from  you;  but  have  as  yet  been 
disappointed.  I  wrote  you  from  Hamilton,  and  in  my 
letter  requested  an  answer  to  be  directed  to  Saratoga.  I 
was  dilayed  on  my  journey  much  longer  than  I  expected, 
and  did  not  reacb  Hamilton  until  the  Friday  after  you 
parted  with  me.'.  With  the  Monday  morning's  mail  i 
directed  a  letter  to  you,  in  hopes  that  you  would  receive 
it  by  the  middle  of  the  Week,  and  return  me  a  line  by  the 
first  of  the  week  following.  J  expect  to  tarry  in  this 
place  two  or  three  weeks  longer.  I  had  intended  to  go 
immediately  home,  but  finally  have  concluded  to  tarry  a 
little  longer.  I  had  a  very  agreeable  visit  at  Hamilton, 
though  it  was  short.  Dr.  K.  seems  to  enjoy  himself 
remarkably  well,  and  I  think  his  situation  is  as  agreeable 
to  him  as  any  he  could  wish.  The  school  prospers  very 
well.  Among  the  students,  as  among  all  other  classes 
of  people,  is  to  be  found  a  diversity  of  talents,  tongues, 
manners,  habits,  &c.    Some  of  them  are  quite  promising; 


ALAN80N    L.    COVELL.  43 

and  indeed  all  of  thpm   „ 

»nd  tutors  Je  LtZiTlT  ^'":    ''"'"'  "'o^^""" 

only  in  their  studiesbu,:!    •  ° '"''""'  '^™.  "<" 

are  deemed  neceSr';' t    "  "■"?  r''" ''''°»"^  """ich 

promising  ins,i,u,i„„  '  w^  ,       ilt '  ""'»"  "  »  -'^ 
fall  or  not  is  uncertain.        *        '  """'i  ^'•"'"  ">ere  this 

friendrtt^we:  'Z  "'''?."  '"^  ^^^''---    Our 
tliio":  of  a  revival  of  r«i-  •         "y^^^"-     There  is  some- 

•l.a.'.he  .ood^tfm^  ~  Thf^'-  ^^^  ^^""' 
10  continue.  Give  mv  """P""  ' ''"«  "o"  lime  now 
write  soon.  '^  '''P""  •"  ^".  and  be  sure  to 

Your  bro  .,er,  , 

Mrs.  Brown.  .  Ai,an3on. 

To  his  sister  in  Cheshire  he  v-rites  thus- 
Dear  sister  :-M::rgr::,f'';ff/''=""^'  '"'  '«2- 
forwardiuff  you  a  line     vh Ls   t  ?'"  "  '"°""''>'  i" 

sooner,  but  had  not  beJe  e  ern,'°";"'1  '°  ""'^  """^ 
tarry  a  fey,  weeks  at  1^=! ,  '"'"""^''  ^''«her  [  should 
Charlotte.    T  have  ,''■'?'  "'  ''"""  '"""^d'ately  ,o 

-ond  SabbatS  ;  4^1 '"/aT"'!;  fl^  "■"'•'"•" 
nients  I  had  in  view,  XnZ  rh    I      "^  '^'  ""g^ge- 

■n-y  of  the  young  men  in  th  :L  '"ThT^H  7" 
evidently  in  a  flourishino.  state  Tift  '^^  ,  ^  "''°°'  " 
'>^.  a^  tl>e  place  assocfated  with  °r  ""'""' '^''"''■ 
which  render  it  necuhWl,  "''  remembrances 

dear  departed  fltLr         "  '"  "^'»"S-    I'  <vas  there  our 

living  and  endinihL^r  '"""='''"'''  ""^  '>»PP»^«^  of 

-oia!  and  chr."?ia:    *'  "™'""'"'  "'"^  "">-  ''»«'%> 

Messing.    I.  was  theVh^  '"S™"'.  "^^'"^  '^'"'"  ''fo  » 
»        was  there  h.s  afflicted  family  were  left  with. 


ymm 


'^*vjfjif._    '*■:,/ *^^^jP_ 


44 


MEMOIR     OP 


out  father,  save  Him  who  hath  promised  to  be  the  father 
of  the  fatherless,  and  the  widow's  God.  There  my  early 
days  were  spent^  there  we  formed  acquairilance  and  ex- 
perienced kindness,  the  remembrance  of  which,  we  hope, 
will  be  lasting  as  our  existence.  Can  we  then  now  for- 
get it?  No,  we  cannot.  With  pleasure  we  look  forward 
lo  that  thrice  happy  day,  when  the  sweets  of  former  in- 
tercourse shall  be  again  renewed,  not  in  Cheshire,  but  in 
happier  climes,  where  those  spirits  rest  who  have  gone 
before  us.  Then,  then  shall  we  unite  again  with  those 
endeared  friends,  whose  dying  lips  once  bade  the  world 
adieu.  O,  blessed  hope  of  future  joy  !  Happy  prospect 
of  eternal  bliss  !  Blessed  be  God  who  hath  given  ua  this 
good  hope  through  grace.  Be  it  ours  to  walk  worthy  of 
this  high  calling. 

Mention  me  affectionately  to  Elder  Sweet  and  all  our 
friends.         ' 

Your  brother,  A.  L.  Covell. 

Extract  from  a  letter  to  his  sister  Brown. 

'■•     ■,  "  Addison,  Nov.  2,  1825. 

Sister  Julia  was  baptized  Sabbath  before  last,  and  join- 
ed the  Baptist  church  in  Charlotte." 

AgaiU;  to  his  sister  Wolcott: 

"  Addison,  Nov.  9,  1828. 

Dear  sister : — I  have  been  at  this  place  since  I  came 
from  the  South,  and  expect  to  remain  here  and  continue 
trying  to  preach  the  gospel,  until  March.  I  expect  then, 
either  to  make  this  a  permanent  home,  or  commence  a 
course  of  study  at  Hamilton  Institution.  I  am  quite 
undetermined  in  my  own  mind,  but  hope  to  be  directed  by 
the  mind  of  Him  who  cannot  err.  It  is  now  a  time  of 
prosperity  with  us.  The  Lord  has  in  great  mercy  visited 
his  people,  and  some  of  the  youth  have  bowed  to  the 
sceptre  of  Jesus.  Twenty- four  have  been  baptized  in  his 
oame,  and  added  to  the  church." 


■'m^ 


the  father 
my  early 
e  and  ex- 
,  we  hope, 
I  now  for- 
)k  forward 
former  in- 
ire,  but  in 
lave  gone 
Arith  those 
the  world 
'  prospect 
en  UvS  this 
worthy  of 

nd  all  our 


COVELL. 


2,  1825. 
,  and  join- 


9,  1828. 

;e  I  came 
i  coniinue 
pect  then, 
nmence  a 

am  quite 
irected  by 

a  time  of 
cy  visited, 
^ed  to  the 
zed  in  his 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL.  ^ 

.intt''wtnt^^  in  adjacent  towns,  he  con- 

^^^^o.,er^Zr:i';P^  fj;;^  our  Savior- 
of  his  grace  thus  trlnmni  •    '^'"""''  '^"^  'Ik!  sovere.Vntv 

■he  Lord's  d  il   Ij  ""    '  ™'  "^  ''"  '°  ^'"=""™'  "«  - 
•l.»"  God  wouFd'  :  ,  ma     Z      °"{ '"  ""  ^^"-    «- 

,-e,  and  m  .he  t"  rt  ,T:,o:';  r"/r' "'  '-^ 

love  the  Lord  reioine  ,v;,K  ^     '^^    ^'''  •'"^''  ^^ho 

claims  the  neaTannrnr  1    r,°"\,"''    '^'"^   <l»y  pro- 

when  the  sacred  rei^r^  JT  ^       ,"  "'''■!'  <=''">''.  and 
ence  of  Lov     sh       r"  ,         T'  ""''  ""=  S'°"°''»  "'l"" 

contemplate  the  r«;„.  pro'    l.     p"';''  "'  '"'^  ** 

»'='^-    Onr  God  is  ap;ro::_^!'-  pS^^rtlt? 

^cZf//5o?2,  January  Ilih,  1826. 

I  hope  ever  to  reToice  oTour  n  "  '°"  """  ""'^^• 

fe  with  vo/„  alllr    «     ?""^'  ^''<"°  ^y"'P»- 

light.    I  heaV     froVcha   0,  !  f "°";  "''"''  '"''^^''  '^ 

were  then  well.    lT,av  "^    eon  I"      '■'  ""='•     "^"^y 
T,  ■,     .  ^^"  "°"i^  Since  September 

'l"»t    f  I  were     „r„f  th"""'  ""T"'  "'"  '  ^°"'°'™^^ 
spread  and  bri^hl     B„t  ?%"'^''°'y  "^^^  wonld 

may  depe  d"  at  Z  on  wm  '  "  "^''^  ""^P"'^^-  '"^^ 
^-ie  promotion!;  Lir'tL  •'''';''•  ^'l"-  -'' 
life  before  him.  '  ^     "'^  ^""'^  ^""'"'^^  will, 


1  -      ;ll%'t 


riftlBiiiiyji'ldilil^rfl'i 


.^#   .n/    ,/f. 


46 


MEMOIR  OF 


January  24.  I  again  resume  my  pen  for  a  moment.— 
My  healih  is  at  present  declining,  but  I  hope  soon  to  De 
able  again  to  declare  the  word  of  life  to  poor  sinners.— 
Some  of  them  are  alica  (y  panting  for  the  pure  waters. 
Oh,  thou  shepherd  of  Israel,  conduct  them  to  those  liv- 
ing fountains  of  which  if  they  drink,  they  shall  never 
die.  My  soul  has  this  morning  been  in  some  measure 
refreshed.  Oh,  that  these  exercises  might  always  last. 
Then  could  I  always  tell  ?.  dying  world  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ.  I  can  this  morning  say  with  the 
Psalmist,  "Who  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee?  ^nd  there 
is  none  on  earth  that  I  desire  besides  thee."  But  I  find 
within  me  a  wicked  heart  of  unbelief  in  departing  from 
the  living  God.  How  many  times  have  I  been  altogether 
resolved  that  I  would  be  decidedly  for  him  and  no  other. 
And  so  often  has  the  world  with  its  charms  won  my 
mind  and  caused  me  to  stray.  \ 

February  9.  I  have  kept  my  scribbling  so  long  that  it 
is  some  blotted,  and  some  soiled;  however  the  main 
point  is  to  have  it  convey  ideas  that  are  clean  and  un- 
spotted. Since  I  dated  my  letter,  I  have  received  a  call 
from  the  church  and  people  in  this  town,  to  settle  among 
them,  without  regard  to  the  term  of  time,  but  so  long  as 
God  in  his  providence  may  direct.  Whether  I  shall  ac- 
cept this  invitation  or  not  is  yet  uncertain.  The  place, 
the  church  and  the  people  are  all  very  agreeable  to  my 
mind  and  wishes.  There  are  some  things  that  are  still 
uppermost  in  my  estimation.  More  knowledge  of  the 
world,  of  the  human  mind,  of  science,  and  of  the  word 
of  God,  I  greatly  need,  and  anxiously  wish.  The  means 
for  the  acquisition  of  this  are  now  in  my  power.  If  not 
improved  now,  they  never  will  be  at  any  future  time.  It 
is  now,  a  turning  point  with  me,  and  on  the  present 
determination  depends  future  consequences.  Oh!  my 
God,  direct,  guide  and  preserve  me!    Oa  one  hand  I 


47 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


'"ends,  and  much  asti       t   ^tr "  ."^i:'-,'"^  -i" 
.he  prospecs  of  f„,„„  life    oZeTln  .""""  ""'' 

On  the  oiher  hand,  my  i^oran.P  i  "  ''^"''  '  "»• 

knowledge,  prospec.s  o  "nhr      '  '""""''"ee,  thirst  for 
b  >  j'luspecis  01  obfaimng  it,  with  tha  «- 

of  thus  becoming  more  useful  to  theTo,  „r  rT"' 

r,:;"rr';:..:-'"--S°;:r't:: 

'-adLretolpr^^iJuX^r^'^'^"''''"' 

My  engagements  witluhe  people  here   will    i        • 
four  weeks.    I  wish  you  to  wrL  me  so  t  IT  '  '^'''  '"^ 
't  before  that  time,  and  I  will  i lenT.r  ''" ''''''' 

where  I  am  going.  '"  '"^'^'""^  ^^^  ^^J^^",  aad 

Remember  me^affectionatelv  to  Mr   n 
children.  ^    °  ^^'^^  ^''o^n  and  the 

I  thank  Elvira  very  much  for  her  lettPr    .    . 
answer  it  had  I  time     I  hnn.    u        m  '  ^"^  ^^ould 

u  A  lime.    1  Hope  she  wil   write  offpn 

Could  I  see  you  one  evenin'^  j  .o„,r 'n 
-ny  things  thatyou  nererkne.; L}     '   It   J'"  '  ''''' 
I'n^es  that  I  am  almost  with  you     Bnt\  ""'  ''""'- 

^-  -re  days  in  patient  hopTwhfn     r^stTn'tl  'T  ! 
'hat  we  shall  meet  again.  "  '^^  ^^^^ 

Mrs.  D.  C.  BrowD.  ^'  ^-  Novell. 

Tv/r    J         .  "  Addison,  Feh.  27th    I9Pa 

■ne  from  attending  the  daties  rf  the  Sa  b  ^'r'"''' 
"me  of  general  illness  in  this  country.  Peo  *  ,  '"'  " 
0  .he,«  complaining,  and  some  of  [  em  dwt  ,"?' 
'.1  age  of  Middlebury,  sickness  and  deatrha'ete  a'iW 
•oan  alarmmg  extent.    About  40  h»v.„  "  f'™"^ 

jjv«e  iruni  liiat 


^^n-f 


i-m-^^ 


mm 


48 


MEMOIR   OF 


r 


place  to  eternity,  since  the  commencement  of  the  present 
vGtir  *'  ^  ^  *  ▼  ♦ 

After  mentioning  the  ill  health  of  hia  relatives,  he  says  : 
"  We  are  all  poor  things.  Man  in  his  best  estate  is 
vanity.  How  blessed  the  hope  of  being  soon  delivered 
from  this  life  of  disappointment,  pain  and  death,  to  incor- 
ruptible glory.  I  received  your  little  letter  with  all 
gladness.  I  did  not  learn  from  that  whether  you  were 
sick  or  well— however  I  made  the  most  favorable  con- 
struction I  could. 

I  was  pleased  to  hear  that  God  who  quickenelh  the 
dead  had  again  revived  the  spirit  of  religion  among  his 
people  :  and  by  no  means  disappointed  to  hear  that  saiati 
had  stirred  up  his  people.  We  always  expect  that  the 
son  of  the  bond  woman  will  persecute  the  son  of  the 
free  woman.  But  what  saith  the  Scripture?  Cast  out 
the  bond  woman  and  her  son.  Come  ye  out  from  among 
them — touch  not,  taHe  not,  nor  handle  the  unclean  thing, 
and  ye  shall  be  my  sons  and  daughters  saith  the  Lord 
Almighty.  When  satan  rages  it  is  time  for  the  soldiers 
of  the  living  God  to  gird  on  the  whole  armor.  But  we 
should  be  careful  that  we  do  not  go  out  clad  in  the  armor 
of  Saul,  and  equipt  with  weapons  which  are  carnal. 
The  christian  should  be  armed  with  those  weapons  which 
are  mighty  through  God  to  the  pulling  down  of  strong 
holds — which  weapons  are  impartial  love,  universal  be- 
nevolence, meekness,  humbleness  of  mind,  long-suffering, 
patience  and  forbearance  towards  all  men— not  rendering 
evil  for  evil  but  overcoming  evil  with  good,  and  others 
whidi  the  Bible  raenticmsv  Whenever  these  are  used 
the  armies  of  the  Lord  prevail,  and  Egypt's  proud  thou- 
sands are  drovned  in  the  sea. 

The  revival  in  this  place  appears  to  be  rather  subsid- 
mg.  Coldness  seems  to  seize  the  feelings  of  many,  and 
backwardness  in  declaring  the  goodness  of  God  prevails. 


There 

sors  ar 

bosoms 

versati( 

their  na 

will  coi 

grace  b^ 

I  hav 


"Lc 

Ful 

Thv 


AL  ANSON    L. 


CO VBLL. 


40 


There  are  some,  however  hn.K 

sors  and  those  who  are   vounl    '""T^  "''  '^^''  P^°^««- 

bosoms  .he  holy  fire  still  burns^rd  in'  ^""'f'  '"^   ^^°«« 
versation  the  sacred  princiole;  !r  V    '°"'^"''  '"^  ^°"- 

mand,  .here  i.  g^L  red    k,  "       """^  °°'''='  <"""- 
'here  is  leanness  of  soTZ,'  '"  "^S'-^-^'-nj  ihem 

"l^  al,ose>l,er  impossible  "o,!:?""'  "''"""''•    '  «"" 
rehgious  life,  without  private  devo  ?o„"°^7^°'"""'  '"  ' 
'l>e  Christian  to  enter  his  close,  s^l '    >"  "'""■"'  ''"^ 
'0  h,s  father  who  secth  in  sec  e,     1^:°^'  ""'  ^'"^ 
are  all  my  devotions  !    Ho«;7„;      ,  ' '  ''°'^  ''''eless 

onhepowerofgodliness     o  r"''°"f  ''"''  ''^^'"'"a 
i»'"  <his  un/ee;i„\.  he"      he  b^  f "'  ''""'  ^"'"'^ 
,   "  -mypreson',  e^pecl  ti  "t  1^""^ 
liome  so  long  as  God  in  i,;.       ".""""e  this  place  mv 

have  conseauen  ly  wi  h  ZrT"''  ''''"'  <"^^«-  ' 
.Ira  idea  of  goin/,o  latSt^  ^f^'^nee  relinquished 
inlerest  in  your  prayers  I,  ,.  v'"'"""^  ^°''»i'  »» 
-and  this  and  Jo^CV^^  l^l^!;-  Messing  .ay 

^u.ie:iorr„ir.zr:r  ■  o  "'=-''  .^'^»''-"-  "-^  •"« 

■»ercy,  grant  me  his  counsel  whioh"i?  m'  ''' '''"  S'^^' 
wrsdom  which  is  pure  and  4irhou,m.  "'"'"''  ""'  ^'^ 
f"lt  10  conduct  at  all  limes  k  ;,??""'*•    ^'  '^  1'^- 

~/rditaTs;:&^^^^^^ 

<'«- of  every  weeLorn^:tt:;„^:.;^^^^^^^^^ 


Sl™o?,;oKLti:."'''''"'™' 


!= 


50 


MEMOIR    OP 


1  am  now  engaged  in  a  school  which  will  close  in 
four  weeks.  I  shall  then  be  relieved  of  some  pan  of 
present  care.  Could  1  see  you  this  evening,  I  should  be 
in  some  measure  satisfied.  I  often  think  of  the  many 
opportunities  we  last  summer  enjoyed,  and  wish  they 
could  be  again  repeated.  But  all  must  be  left  to  the 
Great  Disposer  of  events  who  will  most  certainly  do  all 
that  is  right.    I  wish  you  to  write  soon. 

My  best  regards  to  Mr.  Brown.  Much  love  to  the 
children,  and  respects  to  enquirers. 

Yours,  A.  L.  Covell. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown. 


Addison,  March  28th,  1826. 
Dear  sister: — The  Lord  is  yet  merciful  and  kind,  even 
to  us  who  are  so  undeserving  !  How  great  is  the  num- 
ber of  his  mercies!  Who  can  count  them!  la  his 
goodness  may  we  "rejoice  evermore."  Verily  is  he 
called  the  Lord  God,  slow  to  anger,  abundant  in  mercy 
and  truth.  How  thankful  should  we  ever  be,  that  we 
are  permitted  the  holy  pleasure  of  contemplating  the 
character  of  Him  who  is  glorious,  holy,  good,  benevolent, 
just,  true,  and  unchangeable.  O,  come  let  us  worship- 
let  us  bow  down— let  us  kneel  before  our  Maker,  and 
adore  Him  who  is  fearful  in  praises  doiog  wonders. 

It  is  a  time  of  coldness  and  stupidity  among  us.  Is- 
rael is  forgetful;  but  Israel's  God  never  slumbers  nor 
sleeps.  In  his  hand  we  we  always  safe;  and,  be  our 
feelings  what  they  may— be  our  trials  great,  our  fears 
numerous,  our  temptations  powerful)  our  persecutions 
abundant,  yet  if  our  u?t  is  in  God,  we  shall  never  be 
CDflfounded.  It  is  indeed  through  much  tribulation  thai 
•we  enter  the  kingdom,,  but  ty»  only  makes  the  world 
*  less  esteemed  and  iieaven  more  desired.  Therefore  we 
rejoice  in   tribulation,  because  it  weans    us  from  the 


world  anJ  prepay,  us  for  g|„„     ,„,,.. 

»"  'jcc,  ..rtlicions  arc  our  -.roa-oTi  1,  """^  "'"  ""> 

able  Ilian  prosperity  ,„e|f  °  in,       '''"•■s'"'2'<,  more  valu- 

food  U,  „,e„.  „,„,  ,„„  Go/IT/oIJm     '"''"r  '"' 
Iii9    purpose."    Yen     il,„ '™  according  io 

life.  <"  "ea,!,,  or  .l.i,l:  Xn,  t  .l"  "'"'  """"'  "' 
»'e  yours,  a„,|  ye  ,„o  Ci.riLl  a^d  f •         •='  '°  '"""^>  «" 

Vour  lexer  ,la,ed  „o,  iZZt  t^'l  ?  "'"''^•" 
w»s  l,appy  „,„,■„  ,„  ,,^,^^     »  ■  "ej     ns  duly  received.    , 

were  l,ere  l.s.wcelc:  ,heir  l,eohl,  °" ''""  P""""^ 

Julia  is  belter  tl.un  ,v,,e„  j    '„ ,,  IT''  '"'"'ovoi.^ 

'  '.ave  closed  r.y  sell,  Tef      2  ,    '"™- 
r,.imcrous  calls  lo  attend  f„„cr-,l  f  ™  '"™""  »f 

My  .in,e  is  bec„,„i„,,,; '7;;  ;;;;""»;''.  lectures,  &c. 

»nd  I  find  need  ot  bei„,  7ns,  „,T  ,!""''  """'  '"""O"^: 
-  Lour  as  I  „„„,.  na;,'d:;"'  .^  f  l^'  f-  "'  such 
unJcrniany  trials  of  mi„d  an,)  .  ,  ''    '  •"'"  '=>''" 

"mosl-nm  lii.e  Marl/   l?         ">"  ""^^^  ">•  Some- 
'*r  limes,  not  c,e^l,T     J    '  S-ve  up  ,he  ^or.t    yle 

«"'-^"  ™y  -'urse  ;:i:v: ; : L::t  '\''^"' »"' '' 

«ess  of  having  done  „,y  d«v  tI, T  '^'  '""'''°'''- 
Jay,  not  knowing  ,vl,a,  awaits',„e  w  ,f  "'" ''''  '" 
'"e  lliat  ni,  fain,  fail  not?  '"  ''"^  Pfay  for 

la  your  nest  I  ,visli  an  account  nf  ,r      i 
ler,  state  of  religion  ia  .he  TolT°i        ''"''''''  '"'"''"■ 
nei?liborhood,  ,U  '  "'"'  ^■•P^ouUy  in  rour 

'"h-venly  hope,  and  much  affecion, la™  yours,' 

Mr,-.  D.  C.  Brown.  /  Alansoh. 

About  the  same  dale,  to  his  sister  V/oIco„  h. 

You  supposed  by  this  lime  ilm  T  l..,f'      "'^'  = 

;»)■  fu.ure  course, and  supposed   th,    '''l''"'"""'"  «» 

V  oompli.d  with  the  urgent  rl  ,'"'''  unwilling. 

'''^p'ace.ore,in,ui,h"ii::tnr;L:':;rt'"' 


r>  Iv 


U/^l 


8S 


MEMOIR     OF 


and  settle  among  them.  Mutual  arrangements  are  ac- 
cordingly made.  I  shall  now  have  to  take  what  is  some- 
times called  "  the  old  dispensation  path  "  to  usefulness, 
if  I  ever  attain  to  it.  I  believe  it  possible  for  the  minis- 
ters of  Christ  to  be  useful,  though  their  opportunities  for 
the  acquisition  of  knowledge  may  have  been  somewhat 
limited.  Yet  I  am  of  the  same  opinion  now  that  I  ever 
have  been,  that  young  men  entering  the  ministry  should 
avail  themselves  of  such  advantages  as  may  be  in  their 
power  to  furnish  themselves  unto  all  good  works." 

1  long  lor  a  more  accurate  and  systematic  knowledge 
of  the  holy  Bible,  and  many  other  things  I  could  men- 
tion. This  may  perhaps  be  gradually  attained  in  future 
years.  I  hope  with  the  assistance  of  God  to  make  a 
little  progress.  And  should  the  Lord  in  infinite  mercy 
"  make  me  wise  unto  salvation,  and  make  my  weak,  im- 
perfect labors  effectual  in  comforting  his  dear  saints,  and 
calling  even  one  sinner  to  repentance,  I  should  feel  my- 
self under  infinite  obligation  to  bless  his  holy  name 
forever.  Unite  with  me,  dear  sister,  in  the  prayer,  that 
the  Great  Head  of  the  church  would  help  a  feeble  help- 
less worm;  to  fulfil  a  task  so  arduous,  in  a  manner  ac- 
ceptable to  Him." 

To  the  same :  » 

"  Addison,  June  22, 1826. 

Dear  sister:— I  am  happy,  through  the  kindness  of  our 
heavenly  Father,  in  being  again  permitted  to  address 
you  by  letter.  The  time  I  spent  in  Cheshire  last  sum- 
mer was  to  me  among  the  most  pleasant  days  of  the  year. 
The  remembrance  of  them  is  still  sweet.  Our  conver- 
sation by  the  fire-side  was  pleasant,  and  when  indulged 
to  mingle  with  the  saints  of  the  Most  High,  and  visit  his 
earthly  courts  "  with  songs  and  honors  sounding  loud," 
0  "how  pleasant,  how  divinely  fair."    But  those  days 


AL^NaON    L.    C07ELL.  53 

are  now  past,  never  to  be  recalled  -  T^ 
Jock  on  ihin^^s  before  us.  '"""^'"^  ^°^  "^  to 

God  is  vet  the  «snma    „    1    1 , 

«ndalso,„at  you  hav  ,  \  .'^  '"  L-esborou^h ; 
in  store  for  Cl.e.,l,ire.  Mav  il  i  ,"  ""^'^'"S^  are 
largest  wfsh  of  his  r.ol  ,'^°'''  «'»"'  "'«  the 

most  abundant  oxpeCaX  f^n'  ^  ,"'"^''«''  ""^  '"« 
-  wi.h  and  pray  ITZ^^I J^l^f  f «  whiie 
make  every  effort  i„  our  power  "T  '^"'■''- *'^  must 

Saith  the  Savior,  "accord^,  o  v  ur'AT'^  !"'  '''''■•" 
you."    It  will  gc„en|i„  h„  /     ,  '^°"  '^""^  ^o  be  it  unto 

»nf"red  on  the    e;^     ';  %"",""'>  "'«  'I-  blessings 
'heir  faith  and  eff<,,,s'^  ^°''  ''''"■  ""^^  Proportion  to 

ooT^vti'r^t^'irs''';?  r"-  '^-"-p'-r 

aoob  Mo.es,  Klij  .h^all  re     td  tt  Go',^"^'';  '^»'«' 
by  faith.    And  as  il,e  apostle  .d  I        ,  "«""'  '"""f^ 

'» -«peak  of  Gideon.of  Dam    oA     '        T  "'"''''  '"'"■'  »« 
«el  and  David,  who  th™'  'l-f,;™'""'  °"^P'"i'».  Sam- 
obtained  thep;omi,e.  Ztl',        "^'''  ^'s'-'^o'-snes,, 
■0  %ht  .he  annies  'onht^  :■;;-%'-. -d  '--d 
hand,  what  judgments  have  fo  „1:  ,  ^,       °"  "'"  "'h^f 
For  unbelief  the  Israelites  were  d^'':""  '"',  '""""'-f- 
ms     UnbeliefpreventedMosesa  jT'"  !■"'  ^"'''"- 
"g  "he  good  land  which  the  lT,<  ""  ^'""'  "«"- 

For  unbelief  christian  a  eftl  fT'^'"  ""''  '""''''■ 
fni.  and  desolating  frsF„°'',°t',n'  '"'""''' °^ 
'eft  to  divisions,  tuniul..'^  if,     7^''"^  <^'»"-^h=s  are 

«"ch  examples  befor     J,  1"     ::;"^°"'"°"°"^-    ^^'■"' 
'he  disciples  of  old,  '-  Lord  1  "1     °    'T  '"  P^^  "t« 
I     i^oro,  increase  our  faith  v> 

As  ever,  your  affectionate 

A,  L.  CoVELl, 
A* 


'!  *m:   jf< 


#;-].l 


^' %^    .^ 


54 


MEMOIR     OF 


Addison,  Oct.  9th,  1826. 

Dear  sister:— I  regret  much  that  circumstances  are 
such  that  I  cannot  visit  you  this  fall.  It  has  hitherto 
been  impossible. 

I  had  intended  to  have  started  this  day  on  my  way  to 
Pownal,  but  ray  calls  are  such,  during  this  week  and 
next,  that  I  find  it  necessary  to  relinquish  the  idea.  It 
would  aiford  me  much  pleasure  to  visit  you  this  month, 
but  my  own  anxiety  and  wishes  must  all  be  offered  as 
willing  sacrifices  at  the  shrine  of  duty. 

I  received  your  last  in  due  season,  and  should  have  an- 
swered it  before  now  if  opportunity  had  presented. 

Sunday  evening,  Oct.  29th.  When  I  first  commenced 
writing  this  I  was  called  away  unexpectedly,  and  it  has 
remained  unfinished  till  this  time.  A  constant  success- 
ion of  calls  to  attend  funerals,  councils  and  associations, 
Jiave  so  much  occupied  my  time  since,  that  I  have  not 
even  found  time  given  to  rest  this  feeble  body,  or  to  pre- 
pare this  feeble  mi'  .  ior  the  important  duties  of  the 
Sabbath. 

I  have  just  returned  from  meeting,  quite  fatigued  in 
body  and    discontented   in   mind.    I  find  that   without 
Christ  I  can  do  nothing.     I  sometimes  am  left  in  a  c  I". 
unfeeling  state  of  mind  all  through  the  devotions  of  thv 
Sabbath.     Such  seasons  I  assure  you  seem   long  and 
tedious.    I  have  this  day  experienced  a  season  that  near- 
ly  answers  this   description.    I  tried  to  preach  in   the 
morning  from  these  words:  "And  Peter  followed  afar 
oftV    After  explaining  the  circumstances  and  showing 
in  what  respect  they   were  applicable  to  us,  I  tried  to 
illustrate  the  subject  by  showing  the  causes  and  evil 
consequences  of  foUowmg  afar  off'.    In  the  afternoon  the 
text  was,  "And  the  Lord  turned  and  looked  on  Peter, 
and  he  went  out  and  wept  bitterly."    Attempted  to  ex- 
hibit the  unchanging  love  of  God  to  his  people,  their 


^'■ANSON    L.    COTELL.  55 

own  unfaithfulness  notwi,hs,a„rt;„„   t 
show  also  .hat  ,heir  si ,    ,1  "      ^'  *°-    ^''^"'P'^d  'o 
■he  love  of  Go,!  roVZZ     ""'  '""'  "'  '" '»"""?« 
raent  of  ,he  purpus    of  :°c    w'r T'  ""^  ""™'"P"^^- 
Christ  Jesus  before  ^C: Z^Jlf  '"J  ^  '-  "-m  m 
great  number  of  inferenees  irom  the   ^°"'='''^'°— •>/  » 
.he  circumstaness  in  conne  ,   "u'wi  h  ir'iT,  ""'  T 
"  '3  ^11  over,  I  seriously  doubt  vTh     ,  t  r  f      T  '"" 
people  any  good.    What  the  Lord  n?    i'"'  ''°"'  ">" 
ihera  I  knovvr  not.    But  it  d„  '^  ''"''  """"^  <"« 

feeble,  were  indeed  p!    1  'ealeulaMTo'd"'  ^'r™"'^  ^» 
is  but  one  consolation  i„  sue  I,  IT  ^'""'-    1'''"« 

•he  great  Head  of  the  C  ,ur  h  s  Ibr.'"""'-  ''"""  ''^' 
ordain  "surprising  stren' I  ■'  „d  '  '^'°'"  ^^^'"'"ess  ,„ 
-sh  a  mountain!  I  Torn  lime  '^-r;'"  '„"°™ '» 
Vantage  that  "„e>v  threshi„ri„T  l';,""',^  "'"  «<> 
having  teeth,"  of  whiph  r^„M       '""'™nient,  sharp  and 

hilla  are  to  be  bea:;' e  ^  ?rl^l,  Z\  T'  "  ""' 
ams  are  to  become  as  chaff  "0^'-  ?  ^'  '"°""'- 
Ihat  whether  /use  this  ^  "  !'  '"'  '  ''"•'"''^^  '"- 

'"•«  be  used  by  som  '  n  ,  r"'  '"  "'"""'''  "  -«'  « 
".e  .reat  ohjec';  for  :„,:,:■:  isllX  "  "  "^°""'"^'' 

o^"-es":^,h^,:„Ter„rdi:,:r:.::;-r-"^^^^^ 

crease  an  hundred  fold.  °        '""''  "^^  Prosper  and  in- 

The  Vermont  Association  held  its  annn»I         ■ 
"S  this  month.    We  pni„„.j  '*'*"'"  '<''* 

indeed.    Hartnonrand  S,,:;."^  '''^^^-'  '"'"vie-' 
every  heart,  and   „,an„  ''""''''"<'  ^^emed   to  pervade 
satisfaction  Ld  jov       '   ^""'eoaoces  bespoke  .award 

Mor!'arN:"Y  "^e  "'  "'  ""''''  ^'^°^'»'-  "■''<>  - 
e-rcises  truly  s„,L'    1:^^.^  """"""»-  =""■  '"« 


^^"%. 


56 


M  E  M  0  I K   OF 


I  am  obliged  to  hurry  my  mind  and  pen,  as  I  rnust  yet 
attend  our  evening  conference.    I  hope  you  will  write 

•°''°*  Yours,  in  haste,  A.  L.  Covell. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown. 

To  Mis?  Elvira :-I  received,  my  dear  niece,  with  the 
raost  cordial  pleasure,  your  short  communication  accom- 
panying vour  ma^s  letter.     Be  assured   that    nothing 
would  afford  me  more  pleasure  than  to  gratify  the  hearty 
wishes  you  therein  express,  by  visiting  you  and  all  our 
dear  friends  this  fall.  I  am  sorry  I  am  so  situated  atpres- 
cntthat  I  cannot.  If  I  do  not  see  you  1  often  think  of  you  & 
the  dear  children  younger.    Especially,  have  I  thought 
since  receiving  vour  letter,  of  your  soul  that  iswimorial, 
of  more  value  Ihan  worlds!    You  are  of  sufiicient  age 
to  reflect  on  your  future,  as  well  as  present  welfare. 
hope  you  may  share  in  the  compassion  of  the  Savior  ol 
the  world,  whose  promise  is,  "  They  that  seek  me  early 
shall  find  me."    For  this  purpose  you  must  read  your 
Bible  as   the  word  of  life;  obey  religious  instruction, 
and  pray  constantly  to  your  God.    I  hopejou  will  wrue 
me  again  soon.    Remember  me  most  affectionately  to 
your  pa,  and  to  all  the  children. 

*    Your  affectionate  uncle,  A.  L.  Covell. 

Miss  Elvira  J.  Brown. 

''Addison,  Feb.  19ih,  1827. 
My  dear  sister  :-I  intended  to  have  written  you  last 
week,  but  found  no  time.  1  do  not  know  whether  it  is 
my  turn  to  write  or  not,  and  consequently  shall  not  make 
this  c<5mmunication  for  the  sake  of  keeping  pace  with  your 
letters,  but  from  a  desire  to  acquaint  you  with  whatever 
may  be  interesting,  and  relate  so  much  of  my  fee bngs  in 
relation  to  the  arduous  work  ia  which  I  am  feebly  ea- 

.1 (v^rtir  Vin  rvrnnpr. 


^-^i'^  ^z 


ALANSON    L.    COVELt. 


5T 


Since  I  wrote  yoa  last,  I  have  made  a  journey  to  the 
wes^  as  far  as  Canton  and  Madrid,  St.  Lawrence  Co. 

I  attended  the  session  of  the  St.  Lawrence  Baptist 
Assocmfon  at  Madrid,  rhe  3d  Wednesday  in  January. 
A  ttme  wbtch  I  trust  will  be  long  retnen.bered.    AlJ, 
every  letter  from  ,he  churches  gave  an  account  ofa  re- 
vival among  then,     Poor,  wretched,  and  perishin.  sia- 

hope  set  before  them  m  the  gospel.    Wicked  and  ungrate- 
ful backsl.ders  who  had  once  known  the  love  of  Jes  s 
an    had  awfully  apostatized  from  him,  have  been  reclaim! 
ed  through  the  .nfluence  of  sovereign  grace  on  the  hear, 

dead,  and  Chnst  has  given  him  light.  The  whole  church 
has  indeed  been  quickened  anew,  and  all  appear  to  n^ove 
forward  „,th  ardor  and  constancy,  such  as  has  never 
before  been  known  among  them. 

The  work  is  general  among  different  denominations  j 

ov!r»nT  S~'!,'""°  ="- and  his  tender  mercies  are 
over  all  Jus  wo'ks." 

ville,  1  otsdam,  Canton  and  Madrid.    In  all  these  places 

he  Lord  was  doing  wonders.  In  the  two  first,  within 
about  four  weeks,  56  had  been  buried  with  Christ  in  bap- 

ism.  Others  were  waiting  an  opportunity  to  submit  to 
the  same  significant,  humbling  and  joyful  ordinance. 
The  work  was  still  going  on  rapidly  among  them.  In 
Potsdam  village,  the  work  was  such  as  had  never  been 
wnown  m  the  country  before. 

I  was  informed  that  there  were  not  more  than  three  or 


.*(PS8 


four  families  in  the  village  but  what  had  shared 


53 


MEMOIR   OF 


I 


less  in  the  revival.  Their  meetings  frequently  continued 
till  midnight,  and  in  some  instances  till  morning.  The 
cry  of  the  mourning  penitent  was  often  succeeded  by  the 
"new  song,"  which  was  put  into  the  mouths  of  joyful 
converts.  It  was  the  Lord's  doings  and  marvelous  in 
our  eyes.    He  reigns,  and  well  may  the  earth  rejoice. 

To  those  who  love  the  Lord  Jesus,  it  must  be  a  source 
of  unspeakable  joy  to  be  thus  confident  that  he  will  con- 
tinue to  make  displays  of  his  grace  in  the  conversion  of 
sinners,  till  his  infinitely  wise  and  benevolent  purposes 
of  grace,  which  have  in  piospect  the  complete  and  final 
redemption  of  his  people,  shall  all  be  accomplished.  For 
works  like  this  he  deserves  our  highest  praise.  "  O  that 
men  would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his 
wonderful  works  to  the  children  of  men." 

Feb.  26th.  I  intended  to  have  filled  ray  sheet  and  for- 
warded it  to  you  before  now,  but  I  have  been  prevented. 

I  have  just  returned  from  Charlotte,  have  spent  three 
or  four  days  with  our  friends.  They  are  all  well,  and  if 
you  knew  how  glad  they  would  be  to  see  you,  you  would 
certainly  be  almost  if  not  altogether  persuaded  lo  come 
and  see  them;  Stukely  and  Julia  live  by  themselves— 
"sit  under  their  own  vine  and  fig-tree,  and  have  none  to 
molest  or  make  them  afraid." 

Mother  has  been  unwell,  but  is  now  better.  I  think 
she  and  father  both  enjoy  themselves  better  since  they 
have  moved  into  their  new  house,  than  they  did  before. 
They  have  nothing  to  prevent  them  from  living  just  as 
they  wish  to.  I  hope  the  remaining  part  of  their  lives 
may  be  rendeied  pleasant  and  useful  to  themselves  and 
their  children. 

I  suppose  you  have  been  expecting  that  I  should, 
the  ensuing  summer,  commence  a  course  of  study  at 
Hamilton.  I  have  been  of  this  mind  ever  since  I  com- 
menced preaching.    But  I  am  afraid  my  hopes  of  this 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL.  gjj 

will  all  be  blown  un  tn  ih^ 

I  can-.  ,e.  away  cCTZZ'  ''\''^,  .--'"""  -^ 
circamslances  I  do  not  k„,  „  '     ,       ?     "  "'^if  Pfescnt 
I  have  »ade  so.e  ne      v^lTl'T'  '"  ''"'  "'™' 
anoe  will.  ,he„,  «„  ,heir  i?  ! ,   ^ ,       "■  "'"'  "  '""'I'l'- 
witl.  .hem.     Tliey  ha  e  Im    ll        '""''.  ""^ '"  »""»"« 
socie.y  since  I  have  ble     'one  oof  °>    '"  ''""''  '"" 
.hey  hav.  agreed  ,o  all  I VC, ,ed      T      "^'  '""  '  ''^" 
ed  a  eom,„iuee  to  inform  me  of  .itir  r  371.  1™  "ZT' 
is  an  enure  union  ia  ,|,e  ehurch  t  .1,  ,1     '     °'     ^''"^ 
one  man,  and  he  i,  only  dissa,  'fil  ^  .'"''P"""  "^ 

inlend  to  raise.     The  socio  „T  '"'' '''''  ^^  "''ey 

.hau  .hey  were  a  yearTnc  '     H  ''  "f  "  ''^""  ^^'^^^ 
™le  all  for  his  .lory      Do  ,         ?'  ""  ^""^  "'"  ""■ 

o"'.-yhedo„rVw:?,xv::.otalrr"^'''•^ 

Mrs.  D.  C.  iirown.  ^'  ^'  ^^'''='^^- 


M    ^         .  (^fiarlotte,  August  19th,  1827 

My  dear  si«tpr- Ti,^  '  J^o^/. 

your  Ie»er  s      :;rl '    ,-  ? ?  ,"■''5'  '  ""^  -<  answer 

-  i-"ow  :srrcV„r;:v:::'a'""^^'r"' 

fever  and  ague,  wiih  which  I    it  k  "™'''^  "'^  "'" 

•Tee  weeks.    I.  has  now    rJ^JT'"''  """^ 
sirenglh  slowly,  and  hope  soon  <oT'-  '■""  ^""'"^ 

ure  of  heaUh.  I,,  consequ  „ee  If  r  "'  "'  "T'  ""'''- 
•'  impossible  for  me  to  e'cm: "d  J  I'/::  J  '  ""-"^ 
month,  as  cvpecied  In,l^»,i  ■,  •  ,.'^  ''"""^  ""« 
oo».e  at  all.  'l  si  all  t^  wever;"  '""","  '"^  ""  '»  * 
i"  September,  unless  you  and  M  k"  """'  ""  ''  ^'"^ 
We  are  all  quite  anxio  i  „M      cV  n""'"?"''- 

teen  here  to  have  seen  me  slL-»  ,         ''  ''°"  ^^"^ 

and  turn  from  side  to  sirwi. ,    ,     7'  "'""  "'^  "3'=^' 

^- iudeed-to  me  a  sot;:;';:';;::::- ""»"''' ^- 


S«r«     :.;*:J-     -.i/: 


eo 


MEMOIR    OP 


I  wish  you  to  write,  by  all  means,  when  the  mail  re- 
turns, and  toll  me  certainly  whether  you  are  coming  this 
fall,  that  I  may  know  what  calculations  to  make. 

Our  parents  and  friends  in  this  place  are  all  well.  I 
have  been  with  them  two  weeks.  I  shall  return  to  Ad- 
dison to-morrow,  and  leave  this  at  Vergennes  on  my 
way.  Give  my  love  to  all.  If  you  will  accept  this  un- 
connected scroll,  I  will  be  satisfied.  My  mind  is  exceed- 
ing weak,  my  stomach  faint,  and  my  hand  trembles.— 
Adieu.  Alanson. 

His  sister  and  family  went  up,  as  he  desired,  and  made 
him  and  the  other  relatives  a  visit  in  September.  "We 
had  had  some  acquaintance  with  him  as  a  brother,  a 
friend,  a  preacher,  and  a  correspondent,  but  had  never 
before  seen  him  as  a  shepherd  in  the  midst  of  his  flock. 
We  found  him  diligent,  continually  employed  for  the 
good  of  those  whom  God  had  called  him  to  oversee.— 
He  was  kindly  expostulated  with,  on  account  of  so  much 
preaching,  and  personal  exposure,  especially  as  his  health 
was  far  from  being  restored  to  its  "  usual  measure,"  but 
he  considered  himself  '"doing  but  very  little,  compared 
with  what  needed  to  be  done,"  and  did  not  see  how  he 
could  possibly  excuse  himself  I  take  the  liberty  to  io- 
sert  an  extract  from  a  letter  written  at  the  time  and  on 
the  spot,  to  another  friend,  as  being  perhaps  preferable  to 
anything  written  al  this  late  period.  "Brother  is  quite 
])arochial,  and  among  other  good  things  has  establisheda 
"Bible  School,"  to  which  he  propounds  questions,  and 
they  seek  the  answers  in  the  scriptures,  and  recite  or 
ratiier  read  at  intermission.  A  great  part  of  the  congre- 
gation attend,  and  each  class  has  a  different  question.— 
Ir  is  truly  interesting.  You  would  have  been  gratified 
to  have  witnessed  the  gladness  expressed  in  their  eyes, 
as  he  their  "dear  Mr.  Covell "  approached  them,  his 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL.  0| 

countenance  all  beamino-  iw.m    i 

uu  ucaming  with  heaven  v  radianro     tk« 
address  he  pronounoPfl  tn  a  '"y  ruuiance.     ihe 

and  as  llie  honied  acceni  nf  i  h"  "  I'erao  divine," 
and  wo  look  up  o  ZlLLf  ""^  '^""  ""''"  °'"  '^'' 
n  is  scarcely  a  fcu     „  T-  '      '  ""'""  ""''' 

saw  a  countenance  so  expand-so  change.    I  o  .,f  J, 

messenger  fro,„  on  high."    Indeed  i.  was  gen  ra/ly   e 
n,a,k-ed  of  h.„,  that  in  .he  pulpit  he  seemed  >o  "  b    a.  e 
1..S  nauve  a,r  -  and  .here  was  evidently  an  enlar'l 
«fm,nd    a  glow  of  feeling,  .ha.  ani,«a.ed  his  Cme 
nance  and  rendered  it  mr.ro  iKov,  n  couDie- 

autre  a  u  more  than  usually  expressive      Tn 
pru-a  e    conver.a.ion,    he  was  quie,,    unassun  i„.  and 
coniplacen.;  bu.  whenever  he  came  for, h  as  ".he  J, 
senger  of  grace  ,o  guil.y  men,"  he  spake  as  one   enable 
ll.a.  he  must  g,ve  account  to  God.    He  had  do  e    ri.h 
reachtng  wholly  extempore,  and  generally  carr,"d  ,„  o 
the  desk  a  digested  and  partially  written  diLours     le«° 
mg  room  lor  extempore  enlargement. 
Exlracl  from  a  letter  to  his  sister  VVolcott. 

n        ■  "  Addison,  Oct.  24.  3827 

Dear  stster  :-The  cou.munion  of  frie  d.s  is  ev  r  swee, 
ad  espec-tlly  when  sepera.ed  from  each  other  a  Jde' 

2li     '     /;':"''^-'"P  »»-'    l"'l/  imercourse   so  richiy 

ouraffecion     r     ^ '' ^  """''■'"''y   of  religion   ,o  render 
,aHection»  for,  and  intercourse  with  each  other  sub- 


^  ^.r^'^Ak 


MEMOIR     OP 

servient  to  our  present  and  future  good,  makes  our  pil- 
grimage "  through  the«e  low  grounds  whore  troubles 
grow,"  pleasant  and  delightful.  It  causes  consoiating 
waters  to  follow  us  in  the  wilderii 'ss,  and  springs  to 
break  out  in  the  desert.  "  T!ie  hill  of  Zion  yields  a 
thousand  sacred  sweets,  before  we  reach  the  heavenly 
fields  or  walk  ihe  golden  streets."  For  myself  I  can  say, 
God  is  belter  to  me  than  I  de>erve.  His  presence  I  trust 
1  have  with  me  much  of  the  lime.  1  long  more  and  more 
for  an  abiding  evidence  th;»l  I  "please  God."  I  have 
felt  of  late  more  than  ever  the  nccessify  iiiid  hn])piness, 
of  living  to  his  glory.  O  for  a  heart  to  love  and  a  dispo- 
sition to  obey  him  in  all  things." 

To  his  sister  Brown. 

Addison,  January  1,  1828. 

My  dear  sister: — [  received  yours  last  week,  and 
should  have  answered  it  the  same  day,  had  I  not  intend- 
ed to  visit  Charlotte  in  a  few  days.  I  thought  I  would  wait 
till  I  had  been  there,  that  you  might  hear  from  them  also. 
I  returned  from  there  this  evening.  They  are  all  well, 
except  our  dear  mother,  who  has  been  sick  seven  weeks, 
but  is  now  slowly  recovering. 

You  mentioned  I'lai  Mr.  C.  informed  you  that  I  was 
sick  when  he  left  tiie  Association.  Indeed  I  was  sick, 
nigh  unto  death,  but  God  has  had  mercy  on  me  and  I 
am  restored  to  my  usual  stale  of  health.  To  give  you 
a  detailed  account  of  the  illness  we  have  experienced  in 
our  family  since  you  was  here,  would  more  than  fill  my 
sheet.  By  an  abbreviated  account  however  I  will  en- 
deavor in  a  measure  to  relieve  a  sister's  anxiety. 

On  the  26th  Oct.  I  left  home  to  attend  a  lecture  in 
Panton.     This   appointment   I   fulfilled,   and   the  next 
morning  set  out  on  my  return  home.     I  bad  not  rode  fa 
before  I  began  to  be  much  affected  with  an  unusual  pain 
in  ray  head  and  side.    Cold  chills  in  unceasing  success- 


*>-*NSON    L.    COVELL.  gj 

ion  kept  me  coniinunlly  shiveriixr   "  lii.„  ,       .   ,.  , 
Willi  llio  wind."    I  .u„L,i   ,        ?'     ''"  "  """^  shaken 

(K  was  Salurday  )        "ft ,'"  '  '  "'"'""'"  '"  ?"  ''»■"»■ 
-  I  arrived,  and  o„  i  Kun,.   '""    '"  ""'"  '"'  '''"'  »°" 

A  raging,  burning  l.-vpr  onnn 

«i.-.ioa  I  soon  hecre  r:  47.7  "2    "1  ■■■;  '"" 
sense  ess  lo  wliat  w.,   n,  ^  ""''  "'"'"st 

and  Julia  cnn>    d  J  L   dlT^:    "^"""'"'f'^   ^""-^'^ 
"■e  till  Monday  mo™-n.    vl        ?     ''""  '"''  ^"''"'  ^''h 

■ud  mcher  Lr;!''  r  ""^  "'"""■'' »""  f""-- 

blessing  or  GoJ  reL.        ,",  "'  "  '°  '"^  """  "'« 

»f  -.hers  c',;;.  'i  "rtm:;:r:r^'"="  ""■'  °^"'^ "«« 

al.o  in  a  sT  c  o^to^e  ^    Tir"","?^  '"  "  '''^  """^^ 

;;5.o.er.asn;::^,,r:.-s*-;- 

By  advice  of  my  plivsiciin  T  ,r.n  ,* 

Wfn'ffnr.n    ,  I        T   *  '>=''^''^"  ^  wa    removed  to  Mr 

nuS;.:'  roVe.'ptr'r'^;:':;^  -  "-"'^  — -  ■'■"^^^' 

;  fo.  .eeks  as  JS  .ori:""o::  •;:":.■  ^T"!^ 
to  he  chiZn      «  ,      '■'' ''" "  ""''""»'■  Hissing 


4» 


9i  M  EMOl  R     OP 

I  Deed  not  add  anything  by  way  of  reflection  on  these 
truly  afflicting  circumstances.  Your  heart  will  feel  so 
much  more  than  I  can  write  that  I  forbear. 

I  expect  to-morrow  to  follow  to  the  grave  Dr.  BuUard, 
the  physician  who  attended  me  in  my  late  illness.  0, 
how  little  did  1  think  when  he  first  came  to  my  bed-side 
and  with  a  countenance  expressive  of  the  deepest  anxiety 
said  to  me,  "You  are  sick,  very  sick,"  that  I  should  so 
soon  follow  him  to  the  grave!  He  was  a  faithful,  *vind 
and  successfil  physician,  of  unblemished  character,  and 
of  undoubted  piety.  He  rests  from  his  labors  and  his 
works  do  follow  him." 

I  hare  written  in  great  haste,  and  r  lUst  now  come  to  a 
close.  I  hope  you  will  write  soon.  With  much  affec- 
tion for  yourself  and  familyj  I  am  your  brother, 

A. '    Ih  vell. 
Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown. 


AfcAmoN    L.    OOYBLL. 


65 


CHAPTEU  III. 


Five  vearsenffaoome,,      fin      •'  ^'^^^''^cted  meetincrsl 

anecdote;    Si&.TrK.n^ue^s'^R  ^'-^'V  'n"'^^^^''"? 
meetings.  '  «^inaae=3 ,  R.  vival ;  Protracted 

*  And  tho  Lord  God  p    i)  U  ' 
•lone;  I  will  make  a„  help  ."■;:,  'ZZn.''^'"  "'"  ■"""  ''">Mt^ 

My  dear  sister --I  r.„  ■  "f  *'''""'''  ''e''.  25th,  1828. 

.^oufd  ,.a.e  atwe  J;nr  ^;:;';^t'"  '"^  '"""  "'" 
noiprevnted.  I  had  been  W,^  r  '"'"''''"'=" '"''-' 
wi.l.  some  anxic.,,  whic;  J  .  fu  :f.e"„r"'  7"^'' 
1st.  My  health  which  was  imnrov  n  '  \  r  '^'''='"°<'- 
before,  is  since  restored  and  I  ^     ^    ''""  '  """'  J'"" 

'^«  i'  is  i-etter  „..  it:"!,  Jz::r:[  ""T 

years  pas,.  2d.  I  have  the  happiness  alo  o  f  ^"^ 
of  my  union  by  marriage  wth  Miss  Lil  t  °™  i""" 
Rev.  Abel  Woods,  of  Essex  Ny"!^."  """S^'" of 
event  was  solemnized  by  anDrnnril,  "   ■  ""^P'f 'ou. 

on  the  6th  inst.  The  occasLT  '"  '='™'  «"-='«'. 
ky  usual  fos  ity  andnSr'r'"'"''"'"""'^ 
unrestrained  -•xprersionr^Cd'Ust:''""^ '""^  -^ 
pectations,  and  donbUess  by  C  X  '  «'  "'-"'  "" 
ties  and  fears.  "  ^"""^"""S  as  many  anxie- 

i  X:tmuy"Dtb;r"'^  '^"^■""-^  •» 

"Cite  yc„r  prayers  fTr";  ^IZ^"'"'""  "'" 
attend  us.  '^^^^"^  blessing  miglit 


66 


MEMOIR    OP 


^'^B 

'  ^^B 

i-.:.i| 

I  |l 

L  .  ,1 

I  would  infoimyou  next  that  an  ecclesiastical  council 
convened  at  this  place  last  Wednesday  and  Thursday, 
by  request  of  our  church,  and  after  solemn  prayer  pro- 
ceeded to  examine  and  consecrate  to  the  important  and 
holy  work  of  the  ministry,  and  to  the  pastoral  care  of 
this  church,  your  unworthy  brother. 

The  solemnity,  the  heart-affecting  and  cheering  effects 
of  the  exercises,  was  such  as  I  had  not  conceived  and 
cannot  now  describe.  Notwithstanding  the  weather  was 
rainy  and  the  mud  deep,  our  meeting-house  was  nearly 
tilled  with  people  from  ihis  and  adjacent  towns. 

The  presesce  of  Dr.  Kendrick,  who  took  much  pains  to 
visit  us  and  preached  on  the  occasion,  added  to  the  inter- 
est of  the  day.  He  is  now  on  his  way  to  Hamilton. 
His  sermon  was  truly  appropriate,  affecting  and  solemn. 
His  text  you  will  find  in  1st  Gor.  iv,  5.  We  preach  not 
ourselves,  &c.  The  exercises  I  think  I  shall  never  for- 
get.   O,  that  I  may  be  enabled  to  ^ive  fall  proof  of  my 

ministry! 

Mother  has  had  a  long  and  tedions  illness,  but  is  now 
recovering  and  oversees  her  business.    The  family  ar; 

all  well. 
Nothing  particularly  new  in  our  church  or  society. 

Brother  Stukely  thinks  he  may  possibly  visit  you  nc.\t 
June.  It  is  possible  too,  if  he  does,  that  I  may  accompa- 
ny him.  Sar:ih  is  anxious  to  see  you  and  sister  Wolcott; 
and  if  we  do  come,  you  may,  as  you  observed  to  me  Isst 
fall,  "  prepare  for  a  real  visitation." 

Remember  mc  to  Mr.  B.  and  all  the  children.  Tell 
ihcm  they  have  a  new  aunt  Sarah  who  thinks  and  speaks 
much  of  them. 

i  have  no  more  time  to  write.  I  shall  expect  an  an- 
swer soon. 

Ever  your  afl'ectionate 

A.  L.  COVELL." 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL.  gy 

T-»  .  "Addison,  22d  March   182q 

Dear  and  much  loved  Sarah  .-Ano.her  week  has  foil 

ery  soot,  our  days  will  be  numbered  and  fini,b«l     H 
"npor,a„uhe  „«.!„,,  "work  while  .he  da!  L^.s    ^ 
n.sY  con,eth  in  wh.ch  no  „,an  can  work    '    a^:  beer 
rnucir  concerned  of  lare  about  ,hc  manner  o?      e,    ? 

socreiy  1  m,gbt  spend  rr,}-  whole  time  in  vrsiiin-    n. 
seven  days  in  a  wpelr    ,„,i  i  .        "'smng— or 

neither     Were  r  mi  ™  "^  """^  ^'"  "l™"^ 

%  "''"''  to  devote  a  suitable  portion  of  timp  .„ 

rcpare  or  ■  „  Sabbath,  to  pray,  and  think  ^.d  ,     '„l " 

ndbdesthrsto  spend  a  suitable  portion  in  studvit' 

e  B  b  e,  exaunnrng  authors  on  difierent  subjects,  au3 

'"  ■■">«'la"eou3  reading,  it  would  occupy  seven  d'vs 
.ore  ,ver,  week.  Should  I  vis,.  „,y  friends  as  oft™  as 
^  on  d  be  glad  to,  attend  all  the  calls  in  diif  re n.     a  e. 

^r  lee  ures  and  risits ;  attend  ali  our  public  nree     J  Tc 
7"      ";r'^*';^»^™  "'v..  more.     This  „,aU    Tb'e^  ' 

er„rof^„         "'';  '""^  '■'""■'  '''""""^  '°  "'<'  <=»»■ 
«e  thing,  see,,,  unportant;  nay,  they  ate  indi.pensa- 

partn,::;:?: '.'"  "^''"^™  ""^^^'  raitb,-u„!;:ry 

^parmea.  ofthr,  great  and  extensive  field  of  labor - 
E'icleavors  have  been  made  to  do  so,nethi,..r  ,oI  j, 

wTe  y"r'::j"t-  '"^"  -^^-^-'^-To: 

very   succ.s.iul.     One  cause  of  this  failure  rnav 
"ere  IS  as  rnuci,  skill  needed  in  the  division  of  time  as  ia 


I 


'it\r'  -m 


68 


MEMOIR    OP 


dividing  the  Word,  and  as  much  depends  on  it.    I  have 
thought  that  should  I  ever  be  settled  in  regular  man- 
ner of  living,  it  would  be  duly  to  divide  my  laboi  into 
different  parts,  and  then  proportion  the  time  in  each  week 
accordingly.    I  do  believe  much  may  be  gamed  by  living 
wholly  by  system;  i.  e.  so  far  as  is  practicable.    To  live 
bv  accident  is  to  live  to  no  purpose  :  and  to  do  a  little  at 
every  thing  without  any  method,  is  to  accomplish  nothing. 
I  havesuo-gested  these  thoughts  to  you,  that  you  might 
make  them^k  subject  of  meditation;  for  I  shall  need  and 
expect  your  assistance  in  dividing  time,  and  especially 
luAmproving  it  in  the  most  useful  and  agreeable  man- 
ner    May  God  grant  us  wisdom  in  all  things. 

After  I  left  our  father's  I  rode  to  the  ferry  at  Westport, 
without  stopping  to  see  any  of  the  good  folks     At  the 
ferrv  1  found  Elder  Stearns,  and  visited  with  him  while 
we  were  crossing  the  Lake.    I  then  rode  to  Addison 
before  I  stopped  again.    Arrived  at  Mr.  Smith's  at  7 
o'clock  in  the  evening.    1  was  much  fatigued,  and  my 
cold  worse  than  it  had  been.    I  am,  however,  now,  much 
better.    The  next  day  attended  covenant  meetmg.    Iq 
consequence  of  the  cold,  and  badness  of  the  ridmg,  but 
few  of  the  church  were  present.    We  had  a  very  agree- 
able  meeting.    It  seemed  to  be  really  a  time  of  umon 
and  love.    Next  day  attended  communion.    Almost  the 
whole  church  came  together.    I  preached  from  Gal.  v., 
14     Enioyed  my  mind  much  better  and  had  more  liberty 
in  speaking  than  I  expected.    The  Lcrd  is  often  better  to 
us  than  our  expectations.    I  hope  the  impression  the 
solemn  services  made  on  my  mind  rnay  always  last    0 
that  I  could  keep  constantly  in  mind  the  "  dymg  of  the 

^otJXch  have  a  meeting  this  afternoon  to  make 
arrangements  for  us,  or  somebody,  to  live  hereafter.  I 
expect  some  will  think  and  say  one  thing  and  some  an- 
other   Many  feel  very  voor,  and  can  scarcely  see  .ny 


ALAN30N    L.    COVELL.  qq 

he  were  more  so     sZtl       T'  ?"''  ^""'^  ■>«  gl'd  if 
«.e  children  0   i;,aehafr.r""  ""  ^''^'"'<"  "> 
influence prevaii::reoi';r^;i1  ""  T-''*"' 
I  tope  i.  may.    I  ,„  stnsiWe   flhT^  si    LT^t-?' 
ure,  it  will  be  almost  fatal  t„  ,h,     ^'^  .^'"'"'^  ^^  a  faii- 

0,  let  «s  pray  thr.God  may   /erS?  "' ''"  •=""'=*• 
the  hearts  of  the  peoDle  toMm    ^  "'"'''  """» 

to  reproach.        ^^        ^""'  ""'  ^"^  "»' '"«  heritage 

People  in  Addison  and  evpnrnr^o,o  „i 
of  «.e  when  I  am  to  comLreX  :..  IT^f"' 
are  coming  to  Addison,  whether  vo!,  In  '  ?  ^"^ 
•he  ground  settles  or  notranda  Jet  manvT  ^''""' 
ries  of  a  similar  kind.  I  lometim"  am  Itf  II T' 
for  an  answer.    But  I  commonly  tell  Them  that  I  ,I„     ! 

f  xr  :^mTUTh::::fg— ^^^^^^ 

rrrV"'f  ^°  °"^'  "^«P  before  wlr'n  &c     I  do 

There  are  too  many  who  would  be  Mad  to  hi™        " 
2  "-J  'heir  families  creep,  whtle  t^y'"^:!    ™X" 
.n/     1  °T''  ""•  ''^-    ^''^^  »  ^Pi"'  ought  ,      °o  be 

ti^^ri-cf'-^rir^hrtr^-^^ 

"This  purchase  will  be  explained  in  thei;;;;^^ ^' 


5* 


70 


MEMOIR  OF 


further.    You  know  I  am  apt  to  express  ray  thoughts 

Arithout  reserve. 
My  best  love  to  oar  dear  parents,  and  sister  Elmira. 
Your  most  afFeclionate  friend  and  husband, 

A.  L.  COVELL. 

Mrs.  S.  J.  Covell. 


(C 


Addison,  May  5th,  1S28. 


My  dear  sister:— Your  very  welcome  letter  I  this  day 
reeeived.     Sincerely  thankful  I  am  that  I  receive  more 
letters  -from  you  than  from  any  other  friend  on  earth. 
When  first  I  opened  your  letter,  I  was  pained  with  the 
reflection  that  during  the  length  of  time  which  had  elaps- 
ed since  I  wrote  you,  I  had  received  only  one  letter  from 
any  of  my  connexions.    But  all  this  only  rendered  yours 
more  acceptable  and  prepared  me  the  better  to  receive  the 
intelligence  it  contained.    You  are  surprised  that  I  did 
not  write  you  again.    This  1  often  intended  to  do,  and 
have  been  prevented  by  numerous  calls  and  by  the  ex- 
pectation every  weeli  that  I  should  hear  from  you.    Could 
I  have  had  any  knowledge  of  your  sickness  I  would  have 
wrhten  without  delay.     I  am  happy  to  hear  you  are  recov- 
eriu'^  your  health  again,  and  hope  your  health  and  com- 
fort may  long  be  precious  in  the  sight  of  him  who  "  holds 
our  souU  in  life."     I  am  afraid,  my  dear  sister,  you  have 
become  too  much  settled  in  a  state  of  melancholy  and 
gioomy  despondency.     I  do  not  know  what  those  "nu- 
merous  disappointments,  some  great  and  some  small,"' 
which  you  mention  may  have  been,  and  what  influence 
ihey  may  unavoidably  have  had  m  producing  etfects  so 
unhappy.     Could  1  know  more  of  them  I  might  perhaps 
be  better  prepared  to  sympathize  with  you,  to  pray  for 
and  comfort  you.    O  that  I  could  see  and  converse  with 
you  I    1  could  converse,  but  1  do  not  know  how  to  write. 
I  camiot  describe  the  sensations  of  my  mind  while  read- 
in^  your  letter.    It  i?  a  source  of  peculiar  consolation  lu 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL.  73, 

will  provide  a  wa^^^J  ^uf  e  Lpf '  ^"l  ™"''  '"^  '''^' 
privilege,  how  .rreat  il,e  hi.    f^      .   '  '""^  ^reat  i],e 

Him  in"ou.  nffli::: ,  t^rprretT"''"'^'-""^" 

Iron,  .he  troubles  of  life     OuM  ,  "°  "  "'='■"='' 

del,ve..    Ma,  you  fi'L.^  h  ^  \t:  ir.l:':  7 
we  shall  doublless  wi.h  the  whole  creaZ  '  '^'' 

;;.w.  Beeaus:r:::aru::ta?,t  mts: 
-r:foinfh:;rt,f:r"^^"""^^^^^ 

well  endure."  '^  "''  *"«'  "'I'  "-'^l* 

^IoIIZ^^'t:;^^  •'■'"■'""'  ^""  '"^"-'""^  -^ 

s,ioomiDess.       1  Ins -neves  me.     For  who  is  ir  that       i 

e.h  me  glad  save  her  who  is  made  sor  ^7  J,e  "^  Zt 
your  sorrow  iu  ,his  may  iiereafter  be  turn,    m,!,"  •       ? 

will  not  be  taken  from  you     It  I'  „„  "'°  "^'  """ 

^uu.    IE  1^  not,  I  am  sure    rvk-pv 

CHAKGE  that  IS  for  the  better  v'Pf  mon,     u     ^"'^^'  ^^'^^^ 
I  hope  the  recent  chan'r!'  ^  '^'"^''  '''''  ^"^ 

you  allude  ma      e    :  Ttl'st  "''1^  ''  '''''' 

wm,ittoLamon,t^^^:^  j::::,:^^^^^^ 

together  for  good.  "  ^'^^'^  ^^^^"^ 

Your   -almost  worshiped  calculation"*^    which  vou 

At  least  I  do  not  consuier  my  circunraances  any  more 
npropu.ous  to  such  an  undertaking  than  they  have  ev 

hth     tr'^T  ^^^'--^'-'  nor  the  mean   b 
which  I  shall  visit  the  consecrated  ground  that  contain. 

f »-.- you  ha:e^Tp:::;d,i~~\T;:; 

!!l!!f^^::iwa_y -joicing  towards  the  sacrli  .,;!  IV^l 
'Our  contemplated  ;irima-e  -   o.- rJiTITrr":" 


72 


MEMOIR     OP 


Pi 


our  minds  so  often  are.  And  who  knows  but  the  sister 
you  have  never  seen,  may  cheer  your  mind  amidst  the 
^  lengthened  way,"  and  shed  with  you  the  tear  of  sym- 
pathy and  affection  over  the  grave  of  an  unseen  father? 
Whenever  circumstances  render  it  possible  I  shall  attempt 
the  journey,  and  hope  in  the  wise  direction  of  Provi- 
dence you  and  Sarah  may  both  accompany  me.  It  will 
doubtless  re  good  for  us  both  to  hope  and  patiently  wait 
tor  the  accamplishment  of  our  "favorite  purpose." 

May  5U.;.  I  did  not  finish  my  letter  last  evening,  be- 
ing much  fatigued  with  the  exercises  of  the  day,  having 
to  attend  a  funeral  besides  the  services  of  the  meeting- 
house. One  of  our  neighbors  interred  a  son  about  eight 
years  old.  To  them  his  loss  is  a  severe  affliction.  I 
hop3  it  may  work  lor  their  good. 

We  have  been  frequently  visited  in  our  neighborhood 
of  late  with  sickness  and  death.  Several  have  gone  from 
Addison  to  the  world  of  spirits.  How  soon  this  "one 
event"  may  and  will  happen  to  us  all.  I  sometimes 
contemplate  the  hour  of  death  with  a  degree  of  pleasure : 
but  very  seldom  ccn  adopt  the  language  of  your  letter  and 
say,  "  I  long  to  go."  Yet  t  doubt  not  but  the  soul  may 
be  so  weaned  from  things  earthly,  so  tired  with  disap- 
pointments and  cares,  and  so  attracted  by  things  divine, 
that  it  may  long  to  go  to  its  eternal  rest.  God  will 
eventually  grant  this  desire,  and  all  his  humble  saints 
who  have  passed  through  great  tribulation  wiL  rest  from 
all  their  labors  and  be  ever  with  the  Lord. 

Sarah  would  write  you,  agreeably  to  your  request,  was 
she  here.  But  she  is  now  at  Charlotte.  Her  health  is 
not  very  good.  The  rest  of  the  family  were  well  a 
short  lime  since.  We  have  not  commenced  house-keep- 
ing yet,  and  do  not  certainly  know  when  we  shall.  Oui 
society  are  about  purchasing  a  place  and  building  a  house 
for  us ;  and  whenever  they  have  made  all  things  ready, 
we  shall  forthwith  go  in  and  possess  and  try  to  ecjoy  it. 


■•*«; 


■■■■'■  ".'■f-'^yr'T^ 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


73 


I  wish  you  to  write  me  immediatelj-  if  you  can   and  r 

will  then  inform  you  whether  wp  U,  ■   ,         ' 

My  love  to  all.  '""  "'"  >""'  "^  ■><«• 


Your  most  affectionate  broth 


er. 


Mrs.  D.C.Brown. 


Alanson. 


,         .  mUislon,  Dec.  20,  1828; 

My  dear  s.ster:_When  I  last  wrote  you,  various  cir- 
camstances  prevented  me  from  writing  as  particularly  a, 

radrriA,,'"'""'"'  """^P^'  -Vi-J-oliearlha' 
hdl  ft  Addison,  and  had  so  essentially  and  so  sud- 
denly chansed  my  course  of  duty.    Whether  I  was  ri-^ht 
m  taking  the  course  I  did,  in  leaving  the  church  at  Ad 
dison      shall  not  presume  to  say.    I  an,  conscious,  hoi 
ev  r,  of  endeavoring  to  do  that  which  would  eventuaTe 
in  the  greatest  good  to  myself  and  others.    My  arran'l 
meats  were  not  sudden  or  unexpected  to  myseff,     lou^h 
tdey  might  have  appeared  so  to  otiiers.     I  had  through 
f  ^"""-"/evolved  the  subject  in  my  o,v„  mi       a°nd 
sked  the  advice  of  a  few  confidential  and  exper   nLd 
"ends.    Soon  as  I  had  become  settled  in  my  own  mTnd 
made  my  intentions  known  to  the  church'  and  asked 
from  .hem  a  dismission,  in  agreement  with  the  en'te 
men    which  I  had  made  with  them.    They  wuS The 
grea^st  reluctance  granted  a  request  which  could  not  be 
denied,  and  directed  the  Clerk  to  give  me  a  leitpr  Tr 
ism^sion  and  commendation,  whene^ve:  .XumC 
It.    They  had  hopes  of  my  return  to  them  after  a  few 
month,  and  accordingly  nave  commenced  makt:  prep! 
~^  "''  "^^".""-=-"-e-*e.    Ihave'„ra. 
cT„  re  I  !I  <=^P^"'="'°''.  °f  --^'"rning  to  them.     The 
coarse  I  am  now  pursuing  is  far  more  in  accordance 

^IZjrV'  T''  ".'  ""'^  ■""«  congeniaUo  my 
mclination.    You  know  the  desire  I  have  ever  had  of 

understandins  the  lansuatres  in  whici-  th-  -Tm 


74 


MEMOIR    OP 


originally  written.    I  have  now  a  fair  prospect  of  obtain- 
ing this  object.    I  have  commenced   the   study  of  the 
Greek,  and  have  acquired  so  much  knowledge  of  the 
Grammar  as  to  be  able  to  read  and  parse  a  chapter  in  a 
day.    My  instructor  thinks  1  have  every  reason  to  be 
encouraged,  and  takes  unusual  pains  to  explain  the  first 
principles  of  the  language,  and  to  make  my  course  both 
accurate  and   agreeable.     From   the   little  that  I  have 
already  read  in  the  New  Testament,  I  am  convinced  that 
my  lime  is  very  profitably  spent.    New  ideas  are  con- 
stantly  opening  in   every  chapter  which  I  read.     By 
linding  every  word  in  the  Lexicon,  parsing  every  sen- 
tence, and  interpreting  or    translating  the  whole   into 
English,  the  sentiments  are  thoroughly  considered  and 
forcibly  impressed  on  my  mind,  and  I  think  often  are 
sweet  to  my  soul.    Do  not  think  from  this  that  I  am 
vain  enough  to  think  I  have  a  'perfect  understanding  of 
what  I  read,  which  is  far  indeed  from  being  so,  but  only 
that  the  more  I  read  and  examine,  the  more  I  see  to  ad- 
mire and  love.    I  have  to-day  finished  the  14lh  chapter 
of  Matthew.     Shall  now  continue  in  course  through  the 
four  Gospels.    You   will   be  informed  of  my  progress 
hereafter,  whenever  I  write  you. 

I  am  preaching  every  Sabbath  with  the  church  in 
Hinesburgh,  8  miles  from  here.  My  acquaintance  with 
this  church  has  been  quite  interesting.  My  weekly  vis- 
its with  them  are  seasons  of  very  peculiar  pleasure  to 
me.  Sometimes  when  I  try  to  preach  to  them  the  un- 
searchable riches  of  Christ,  my  soul  rejoices  in  the 
work,  and  I  thank  God  and  take  courage.  At  other 
times  I  am  in  darkness,  and  in  heaviness,  longing  for  the 
light  of  his  countenance.  I  think  1  can  say  in  truth,  that 
I  have  this  winter  had  more  desires  to  be  useful  in  the 
church  of  God,  and  to  be  faithful  and  successful  in  the 
work  of  the  ministry,  than  Ji  have  ever  had  before.    My 


ALANSON    1..    COVELL. 


75 


soul  i3  ma  cAen  wich  inexpressible  desires  fur  .he  sal- 
va.,0.  of  lost  me,,.     O,  l.uw  I  sl.ould  rejoic,  Sd  it 

-n  a.  „.e..„r„„ »:;::!  "sir:;,- e":,:;;-'' 

0  Lord,  revive  thy  work '  "lUers.— 

Our  friends  a.  Charlce  were  all  well,  two  weeks  since 

Mr    Covell  spends  .he  win.er  with   her  pare. .'      r,!; 

heai.hrsvery  good.     The  Lord  i„  grea.  kind  e'^s    is 

n-ored  me  wi.h  unusual  good  health  .his  w  „,e      I     , 

board.ug  ,a  a  very  agreeable  and  kind  familv, .    d     a 

;a7.hr:,:r " '"  ""'"^  which  I  desire.  -Iho  e  and 

pray  mat  all  these  mere  es  mnxr  rr.oU,  ■ 

\r  ,       "icities  may  make  me  a  better  man 

heaven.  ^  glorious  rest  in 

Your  ever  affectionate  brother, 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown.  Alanson. 

«/' "^rt!:;",;  •'""■^''^f  ^^^-  ^oveH,  ,ha.  he  lack- 
u  (/fco.on,  but  ihis  was  not  so.    He  ever  paid  .rr.nt 
e   rence  .„  ,„e  feelin^^s  and  opinions  of  his  friends'and 
.0  those  whom  he  •considered  his  superiors,  and  wolt 
"a.  un.re,„en.ly,  .emporarily  concede  .o  ,h   „  bv  ,™  1 
prov.ngwhc.her  theirs  was  .he  ".^re  excel  en.  waV 
and  whenever  he  found  this  result  he  wa    pror^ nT,' 
acknowledge  i.,  but  rarely  indeed  was   .1,  sT  as 
L.e.he  deep  rooted  oak,  whose  branches  onlv    bow  .o 
>he  power  of  .he  migh.y  wind  as  it  lis.e.h   onu.arj  l" 
«s  no    ,0  be  removed  from  his  own  s.eadfas.ness  '    . 
general  he  was  not  has.y  i„  coming  .o  a  decision  and 
2'  ^dy  .0  yield  dispassiona.e  al.en.ion    o  w  a'.eTe' 
"Hghtbe  presented  upon  .he  ma-.er  pending;  but  when 
ace  convnced  of  .he  proprie.y  of  a  subjec.lr  measure! 
as  has  been  said,  he  remained  sleadfast  a„,l  „ ,,,, 


76 


MEMOIR     OP 


in  purpose,  however  long  he  might  have  to  wait  for  its 
accomplishraeni.    Something  of  this  is  disceTnn>^le  in 
the  letters  already  introduced.    When  he  reliiv      hed 
the  idea  of  going  to  Hamilton  Institution,  he  merely    leld- 
ed  to  the  combined  force  of  several  circumstances.    He 
had  ever  retained  the  intention  of  improving  the  first  op- 
portunity for  farther  study,  should  opportunity  ever  oc- 
cur.   This  was  one  cause  of  his  making  the  engagemeni 
with  the  r-ople  in  Adrlison,  in  the  manner  he  did,  viz: 
for  so  long  only,  as  God  in  his  providence  should  make 
it  apparent  that  the  engagement  was  mutually  beneficial. 
His  stay  with  them  had  been  pleasant.    God  had  given 
him  souls  as  seals  of  his  ministry,  and  blessed  the 
church  with  union  and  peace,  his  unwearied  labor  had 
not  been  in  vain.    He  had  awakened  a  desire,  instituted 
and  encouraged  measures,  for  the  advancement  of  relig- 
ious knowledge.    The  slate  of  his  church  n     |congrega- 
tion  was  ,  improving,   and  with  grateful  aaoration,  be 
blessed  the  Lord  for  all  h.    benefits.    And  now  to  be  the 
better  qualified; to  render  according  to  the  benefits  shown, 
he  felt  the  need  of  farther  improvement  for  himself.    He 
had  given  up  the  hope  of  a  collegiate  course,  but  had 
never  relinquisiied    '  -  =  tention  of  availing  himself  of 
all  tl    opportunities  o.   .duing  to  his  stock  of  knowledge, 
wMch  Provider       light  alibrd  him.    And  here  was  now 
an  opening  as        Have      en.    He  continued  to  preach  at 
Hinesburgh  on  the   b.      ith,  aid  pursue   his  classical 
studies  through  the  week  a'     'illiston,  several  months. 
Fr^ m  a  let.  r  to  his  t     er,  dated  July,  1829,  we  learn 
tha   he  "had  been  reduced  quite  low  by  sickness,  but 
was  then  nea  ly  recovered."     Also  iho    He  had  received 
ai  urgent  request  from  the  church  at  Hin-  burgh  to  be- 
ef ne  their  pastor.    A  communication  wrs*  en  soon  after 
to  "Mrs.  Covell  will  show  that  he  condiuonally  acceded 
to  their  wishes.    He  says  to  her,  it  is  now    e'-tain  that 


ALANSON    I,.    OOVELL. 


77 


Hinesburgh  wjll  be  out  home  until  we  may  think  it  our 
toy  to  remove  to  another.  .  have  no.  engaged  t^  Z 
church  for  any  part.culur  time,  but  only  for  so  Fong  as  we 
shall  be  agreed  m  uniting  our  exertions  to  maintain  the 
cause  among  then,.  Tl,ere  are  some  circumstances  wh  eh 
are  favorable,  some  others  not  as  I  could  wish.  0„  tt 
whole,  I  fee.  encouraged,  and  delermiued  by  Divine  as' 
..stance  to  make  an  effort  to  do  good  in  the  place.  I  «o 
forward  "m  weakness  and  fear  and  much  tremblin,'' 
B  tltntendt,  exc     mvself  to  the  utmost  to  promo     t°he 

U  1  y^  ^*^'-    ^^j  ™y  t^ear,  nrav   that 

CJo    may  succeed  the  exertions  which  „e  ,„a    b  ™h  J  kj 
fortlie  furtherance  of  his  kingdom.    O,  n  .v  we  soTv!. 
^a.  .t  shall  be  said  to  each  of  us,  "  thoi  Ls  J    „S: 
Jul  over  a  few  things."  -^^juim 

In  November  following  he  made  a  short  visit  with 
tends  ,n  Cheshire  and  Pownal,  and  wrote  to  his  sis  er 
Brown  .mmediately  after  his  return  j  from  the  letter  we 
earact  the  following:  'i-  leiier  we 

■'The  Minister's  Conference  of  which  I  spoke  to  you 
I  attended  aecordmg  to  appointment.    Our  meeting,  was 
cnnsually  harmonious,  interesting  and  useful.    One  feel- 
ing seemed  to  pervade  every  mind-a  conviction  of  the 
magmtude  the  tnfini.e  moment,  and  the  responsibility  of 
^e  work  ,„  wh,ch  we  were  engaged.    The  duty  and 
easureofbcng  mutual  helpers,  and  the  imperioL  ne- 
^  s,ty  of  increased  zeal  and  effort  for  the  promotion  of 
«h  and  the  salvation  of  men,  deeply  impressed  every 
lea       .n  the  town  where  we  held  our  meelin<^,  a  <.ood 
work,,,        fencing.    There  have  been  several  iLsl^cs 
of  recent  conversion."    Again  to  the  same : 

„   J  Hinesburgh,  13th  January,  1830. 

My  dear  sister;- Yours  was  received  1»«  ...„:— 


T 

3. 


ii:!*' 


W  '^r  mM' 


78 


MEMOIR   OF 


thank  you  very  mucU  (or  it.  1  was  intemling  to  write 
again,  fearing  that  my  hist  had  not  readied  you,  or  tliat 
sicl-.ftcss  in  your  family  prevented  you  from  writing. 

For  two  weeks  I  have  heen  so  hoarse  as  to  he  nearly 
speeclile&s,  and  so  unwell  as  to  he  nearly  useless.  At 
present  I  am  much  better.  E.  is  very  highly  favored 
indeed.  I  have  thought  much  of  her  since  I  saw  her, 
and  feel  unusually  happy  to  hear  of  her  restoration  to 
usual  health.  I  hope  she  may  he  very  careful  of  her 
health.  "  Man  in  his  best  estate  is  vanity,"--or  a  con- 
stilution  the  most  healthy  and  vigorous  is  very  easily 
destroyed:  and  certainly  those  of  feebler  powers  should 
be  admonished  to  carefulness.  I  hope  the  certainly 
that  all  life's  usefulness  and  comfort  is  held  by  a  feeble 
tenure  will  induce  her  to  use  every  measure  to  preserve 
her  health.     [O  that  he  had  taken  this  kind  admonition 

to  himself.] 

1  am  not  disappointed,  though  1  am  sorry  to  hear  that 
Mr.  Johnson  is  about  to  lefive  you.  If  you  see  him  soon. 
please  to  present  him  njy  ailectionate  regards  and  best 
wishes  for  his  future  prosperity.  Is  there  a  probability 
that  Mr.  Crreen  will  settle  with  you  ? 

I  liave  heard  nothing  direclly  from  Brooklyn.  The 
Gentleman  who  first  wrote  me  on  the  subject,  has  writ- 
ten again,  informing  me  that  he  had  written  to  the  church 
in  Brooklyn,  and  that  1  might  expect  to  hear  from  them 
in  February.  I  feel  but  very  little  anxiety  in  regard  to  it, 
If  I  rfjceive  a  call  from  them  T  shall  probably  go  and  vis- 
it them.  All  this  apart,  there  is  but  little  probability  that 
I  shall  continue  in  this  country  but  a  few  years  longer.— 
There  are  reasons  existing  in  my  own  mind,  which  will 
justify  me  in  removing.  I  do  not  however  wish  to  act 
precipitately.  The  prudent  man  understands  his  way  ;— 
and  I  suppose  the  understanding  of  the  prudent  can  be 
obtained  only  by  deliberate  attention  to  all  the  circum- 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL.  79 

stances  which  conrpm  i,a     a 

I  pauchecl  „,Ve,v  YearNseL",  •„'"'"''  ^"""^ 
large,  aUoniive  and  solemn  M^'  ,  "'"""'''''  '^"^ 
»»«  or  ,i,„e.  1.  Cor  9  09  ^LTc'T  "■"  ""■  '■'""• 
en'  year  with  his  Jun;;  '    ""''  "•"'  """»  "^  P'"" 

will  eiicouraie  tlicni  to  ,vr;,„  i-  ,  "'^"^  y"" 

u»  all  very  .,uc     „ led  ,   "l^;""'-    "  "'"  P'^^^= 

oeive  u  line  fro,,   I    v  n     I  ^     "'''  ""■'"'  ''""W  'o  '- 

Un  iookedl  'a  d'otr  wX.  ™'';  ^'^'™^"  "•  '^ 
Almost  anvihin-.    wI,;»k  i  ""-M'^-si  nuere^it.— 

-■'.  your  «rs,  a„e™p.  :n^ti^:'r  ,:":^ 
I'ope  you  wm't  e ;  ;r:„rot';,f  ^  '"""■^•.  ^ 

I'  ™r  gra„d-ma  and  au„t  i,^  CI,     «,  e     Til™'  '""""'' 
I    ;;^  and  ver,  i.,or..  S:t':„  J  ~^^ 
•■"PPy  to  wme  you  hereafter.    I  very  eordiaMy  remia  ,1! 


30  MEMOIR    OF 

your  affectionate  regards,  and  hope  before  very  long,  to 
see  you  as  you  desire. 

Affectionately  yours,  Alanson  L.  Covell. 

Mr.  Win.  R.  Brown. 

You  will  see  Clarissa  that  I  have  but  a  very  little 
room  to  write  you.  But  still  I  feel  a  very  great  regard 
for  you.  You  have  been  very  kind  in  writing  to  your 
grand-ma.  I  shall  see  her  soon  and  carry  it  to  her.- 
Nothing  is  more  becoming  in  young  children  than  kind 
attentions  to  their  aged  relatives.  I  hope,  my  dear  girl, 
that  God  will  be  your  portion  in  youth  and  in  old  age.— 
Your  affectionate  uncle,  A.  L.  C. 

Extract  from  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Covell,  dated  March  8, 1830: 

My  dear  Sarah :— I  very  much  regret  that  we  must  be 
again  separated  for  several  weeks.  The  days  will  seem 
long  and  I  shall  constantly  pray  and  hope,  that  the  time 
may  soon  arrive,  when  we  shall  meet  to  enjoy  a  fermor 
nence  of  social  delight  and  of  christian  love.  I  am  happy 
that  I  can  write  you  a  few  lines  this  morning,  but  I 
should  be  much  more  so,  could  I  write  any  thing  that 
could  make  you  happy.  It  is  an  encouraging  thought 
that  you  have  a  iriend  whose  love  for  you  infinitely  ex- 
ceeds mine,  who  has  made  "  exceeding  great  and  pre- 
cious  promises,"  and  given  indisputable  assurance  of  his 

faithfulness. 

Yesterday  I  preached  twice.  Lecture  last  evening. 
Very  much  fatigued  last  night  and  this  morning.  I  shall 
preach  no  more  lectures  till  my  health  is  restored. 

At  our  church  meeting  last  Saturday,  I  introduced  the 
subject  of  a  dismission.  The  church  thought  they  weu 
unprepared  to  give  me  an  answer— wished  a  short  time 
for  consideration  themselves,  and  conversation  with  me. 
We  shall  have  a  special  meeting  soon,  to  conclude  the 
subject.  I  shall  then  make  a  formal  resignation  of  all 
they  have  committed  to  me,  and  ask  a  letter  of  dismission 


ALAN30N    L.    COVELL. 


81 


and  commendation.     You  will  hear  from  me  if  any 
change  occurs  soon.    My  love  to  all  the  family. 

Affectionately  yours, 
TT       -      .  A.  L.  CoVELL. 

He  obtained  the  desired   « letter  of  dismission  and 
commendation  "  but  did  not   regain   his   health.    Hia 
hoarseness  and  debility  of  lungs  increased.    He  received 
die  expected  invitation  from  Brooklyn,  and  accompa" Id 
byMrs.Covellwent  down  the  beautiful  Hudson 'at  the 
opening  of  navigation  and  made  the  desired  visit.    But 
the  climate  there  was  still  worse  for  him  than  that  at  the 
north,  on  account  of  the  greater  humidity  of  the  atmos- 
phere.   He  preached  but  very  little  while  there,  and  that 
with  extreme  difficulty.    His  voice  so  failed,  thLt  it  cost 
him  much  effort  and  distress  even  to  converse  with  friends. 
His  tarry  on  the  interesting  Island  where  Brooklyn  is 
situated  was  notiong.    On  his  return,  ne  visited  his  two 
sisters  so  isolate  from  all  the  other  members  of  the  family. 
Their  joy  m  receiving  him,  and  the  dster  they  had  never 
before  seen   was  turned  to  ^orruw  on  beholding  his  con- 
dition.    Pale,  dark,  thin,  aad  mostly  silent,  was  the 
brother  of  their  love.    Need  I  say  more  ?    He  returned 
to  his  mother's  house,  and  I  believe  it  was  nearly  three 
months  before  he  was  abl«  to  re-commence  preachin-. 
He  never  regained  the  measure  of  health  and  power  of 
roice  he  had  previously  enjoyed.    His  voice  had  been 
one  of  unusual  volume  and  clearness.    Those  only  who 
have  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  proclaiming  a  Savior  to  a 
ruined  world,  and  who  like  him  have  been  made  to 
suspend  the  exalted    theme,  can  fully  appreciate  his 
feehngs.    The  following  letter  will  show  a  more  aus- 
picious change  in  his  condition. 

Rockingham,  August  7,  1830. 
Hy  dear  sister  :-I  regret  that  circumstances  again 
compel  me  to  say  that  I  can  only  give  you  a  short  and 


■'  <       ^       >  *■ 


H     V 


t£  J.  'ii 


82 


MEMOIR     OP 


hasty  letter.  When  I  last  wrote  you  I  intended  soon  to 
till  a  whole  sheet  to  you.  But  you  know,  my  dear  sister, 
how  often  our  intentions  to  do  well  are  prevented  by 
circumstances  beyond  our  control. 

I  tarried  with  our  friends  in  Charlotte  and  Essex  four 
weeks  after  returning  from  the  south.     About  that  time 
I  was  solicited  by  the  Board  of  Directors   of  the  Vt. 
Baptist  Stale  Convention,  to  travel  as  an  agent  in  a  part 
of  Windsor  and  Windham  counties,  lo  originate   and 
organize  Missionary   Societies.     As  this  would  require 
more  travelling  and  less  preaching  than  anything  I  could 
do  at  present,  I  accepted  the  appointment,  and  immedi- 
ately left  home  on  the  business  of  my  agency.     I  tiio't  I 
should  have  written  you  immediately  after  arriving  at  the 
scene  of  my   labors,  but  an  uninterrupted  succession  of 
calls,  from  one  town  to  another,  has  prevented  me  till 
now.     I  have  this  morning  a  few  hours  in  which  I  must 
write  lo  you,  sister  Wolcott,  to  Julia,  and  to  my  dear 
Sarah.     It  is  nearly  four  weeks  since  I  left  home.  I  have 
received   one   letter  from  Sarah.     Our  friends  in  boti 
families  are  in  usual  health.    My  own  health  has  been 
improving   since  1  was  at  your  house.    I  commenced 
preaching  when  I  left  home.     Since  I  have  been  engaged 
iu  my  agency,  I  have  really   felt  that  every  day  I  wa^ 
''waxing  stronger  and  stronger."    Around  these  mount- 
ains there  is  the  most  pure  and  exhilarating  atmosphere, 
which  is  most  favorable  to  my  lungs.     I  could  not  have 
taken  a  course  more  propitiously  adapted  to  my  present 
state  of  health  than  ibat  in  which  I  am  engaged.    I  have 
been  received  v/ith  great  cordiality  and  kindness  by  tl.e 
churches,  and  have  been  successful  in  accomplishing  lie 
business  of  the  Board,  beyond  their  expectations  or  mine. 
1  find  many  very  agreeable  and  important  pastoral  vacan- 
cies in  this  part  of  the  State,  to  two  of  which  I  havo 
been  mvited.    My  present  engagements  prevent  the  fori  j- 


^''^NSON    L.    C07ELL.  gg 

atioa  of  any,  except  p  verv  hri^f 

a  line  fr„™  Dr/Ke^d"  ^S^r'T  ■'""''^'' 
several  „es,itute  churches  Lar  hi™  ll°T'  ""'  "' 
very  inntins  fields  oflabor  fnr  .       '  •         ■•  P''<'s<='"ed 

™.ovisi,Ha«,ii,o„  befo^u  :,,":„?:•  ''^"'^"- 

gagement.  I  «,-„,,  „„„  (hatl.Li.  ^'^"'"''"™'^"- 
been  made  to  him  by  the  Gen^r,!  a  ^W''=''"ion  has 
Baptist  State  ConveL  „,  tru,  f "  ■"'  ""  '''•'^'°- 
•ravel  in  that  State.    0„e  afj  T''  '"'"'"^'•s  to 

'ion,  another  as  an  agen  foTa  "  rPr'  ?'  't"'  ^°"^^''- 
»vo  as  missionaries!  He  thiS,  v'T'  P.'^Wication,  aud 
•te  cold  season  a,  the  Sou  hr  "''''''''  '"  ^P^»<I 

a«<l  advantageously.  Before  I  lTf\  ""  "  '^''^^^^""y 
l""  shall  hear  from  me  i  "t  T  ""•"'""= 
-veets.  Do  bo  sure  to  write  so  h,  7'""' J"""^  »  :vvo 
CWlotte  Post  Office,  v  len  j  t  V'  '  "'"'" '" 
ieard  a  word  from  you  4ce  1 1  "'•  '  ''"^  »«' 
Mr.  B.  and  all  the  child,™  '""'•    ^J'  ^"^^  "> 

Your  ever  affectionate  brother, 
Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown  Alanson  L.  Covell 

'»t.fasi:^;rtt"^';:;r'-'^"-n^ 

'»iver.  =    "  ^««'''«  to  lis  utiha,,,,y  „- 

Yours  with  a  ,vhole  heart. 
To  the  same.  ■*•  ^-  ^• 

My  dear  sister:_Your  vorvf^f f"'  °"=-  •*'  ^S30. 
feen  answered  sooner.  WieT  I,  '';°"='"  '°  ''='"'^ 
l^vinj  C|.,rlot.c  for  thi,  1  c"  l"',"  "'  '  ""'  '>''"« 
«"  an  invitation  from  the  Bo 'tis  T  T'^''^^  '^"i- 
'!'«"'  '(.rough  the  win  tr  "  d  f  ""?  "°  l"^"^'' "'"' 
^'■""l"  be  mutually    4ea  ',"    ™""  ""^. '^  " 

'""  engaged  to  bo  LtU^tt  -'  '""  "'""'=  "^  «l'!r 

g^-  ^S'vcn  time,  before! 


* 


i*.i 


../^ 


m 


^mmM^ 


84 


MEMOIR    OP 


received  your  letter.    I  was  unavoidably  prevemed  from 
leaving  home  as  soon  as  I  wished,  and  my  engagement 
here  was  such  as  made  it  impracticable  to  visit  you  on 
our  way  here.    I  did  not  arrive  so  soon  as  I  had  been 
expected,  after  all.    We  are  however  here.    Our  jour- 
ney  was  very  fatiguing,  especially  to  Mrs.  Covell.    She 
has  been  quite  ill  since  our  arrival  but  is  now  better. 
Our  condition  here  for  the  present  is  comfortable  ;  pros- 
pects for  the  future  not  flattering.    We  board  with  a  kind 
family,  have  a  pleasant  chamber  very  well  furnished.    I 
have  made  no  engagement  yet,  for  a  longer  time  than 
three  months.    Whether  I  shall  is  not  certam.    The 
general  feeling  and  manners  [of  the  people  here  are  dif- 
ferent from  those  in  Vermont.    From  the  little  I  have 
seen,  I  conclude  the  customs  of  churches  and  ministers 
are  different  in  some  unimportant  things.    I  say  they  are 
unimportant,   and   yet  these  are  the  very  things  which 
often  have  most  influence  over  our  feelings,  because  they 
are  constantly  occurring  and  constantly  felt,  and  there- 
fore are  more  cfTective  than  a  few  important  considera- 
tions to  promote  or  prevent  our  happiness,  to  mspi-e  our 
purposes,  govern  oui  conduct  and  decide  our  destiny. 
****** 
There  is  a  great  revival  of  religion  in  Hamilton.    Pro- 
fessor Sears  of  the  Institution  who  is  now  preaching  to 
the  church,  has  baptized  a  great  number.    Additions  have 
also  been  mado  to  the  Presbyterian  church.    There  are 
some  indications  of  a  revival  in  Madison.    Two  or  three 
have  recently  obtained  hopes  and  others  appear  very 
thoughtful. 

You  will  accept  for  yourself,  Mrs.  Brown  and  th? 
children,  assurances  of  affectionate  regard,  from  your 
brother,  Alanson  L.  Covell. 

Another  letter  of  March  28,  1831,  to  the  same  sister 
informs  that  ho  had  again  bccp  vjslicd  with  affliction- 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


85 


Mrs.  Covell  havinf*   hppn  v^r„     •  i 

Madison  and  was  °heaT„  Whl,    K      ""J  ^'  ^'^  '»''' 

vHlage  fo„r  miles  wes!  of  ult'dT,''/  "'""'" 
prospector,..  ...i„i„,,,J:-;l't"-J-.. 

Again  to  the  same: 

f^VuVe^iorowg-^,  Ausust  13,  1831 

My  dear  sister  r-Your  letter  was  re^eivprl  .     .    / 
la^    appy  to  hear  fro.  you  a^.^^t'^J^'l^- 
was  of  some  consequence  to  you,  because  it  wouhl  h 
a  reply,  you  shall  without  delay  be  favored  whht       ""^ 
return.    lam  glad  to  learn  you  are  to T  ''  ^^^"^ 

appointed  one  to  commence  the  5.h  in7  Dr  ^  ^^  ^T 
chuteh  have  had  a  meetin,  wLeh  ;,e?';Sf  d.t 
Fifty,  U  was  hoped,  were  converted  durin.  li^l,^  *'• 
and  others  have  been  since.  He  ha  fan, V TT^' 
thirty.  ^^  baptized  above 

Professor  Whitman  was  married  to  Miss  iv.vi,  i     , 
week.    This  is  about  all  the  news  I  cafth  „t  of    '' '''' 
yon.    I  know  very  well  the  narrative  o^recen,  n       ""'*" 
es  is    not  all  which  gives  interest  ,n   '''"°""='='"'-«nc- 

Yetyon  know  .his  d^eswrrter"""' '"'"'• 
to  correspondence,  and  i^  always  ,he:;'s^l3;-;:'trr 
odier  omission..    Besides,  it  requires  on  y  a  si  "h?  r  "^ 
of  memory  to  inform  of  passi'n,   even.I,   w  S'a't 
greater  effort  is  necessary  to  fill  a  sheet  wihoriJa 
ought  and  sentiment.    A  facility  i„  ,Ms  last  par,  X 
a  my  opinion,  constitutes  the  most  hapnv  Lrntf  ' 
etter  writing.    Now  I  do  not  make  theSptli: 
this  skill  in   correspondence.     When,  therefor     ? 
■W  concluded  a  statement  of  all  the  facts  ?  intend' to 


?! 


fj' '' 


'•%•% 


86 


MEMOIR    OF 


communicate,  I  find  it  very  difficult  to  proceed-except 
to  say,  "yours  affectionately,"  or  something  like  it* 
You  will  not,  then,  I  suppose,  expect  much  in  the  re- 
mainder of  my  sheet  which  will  pay  you  for  the  perusal. 
I  am  glad  you  have  visited  sister  Wolcott.  Did  she 
converse  with  you  on  the  subject  of  collecting  materials 
for  a  biography  of  our  lamented  father?  Has  she  writ- 
ten to  Mr.  Morse  for  the  papers  in  his  possession?  We 
should  all  be  very  glad  indeed  to  see  them— whether  any 
ihinJT  should  be  published  from  them  or  not.  I  hope  she 
or  yourself  will  write  Mr.  Morse  on  the  subject.  I  woukl 
write  to  him  myself,  but  I  do  not  know  him,  or  the  place 
of  his  residence.  I  hope  I  shall  hear  from  you  again 
soon.    With  usual  remembrances, 

Your  brotherj 

A.  L.  COVELL. 

To  the  same : 

WhUeshoro\  Oct.  22,  1831. 

My  dear  sister:-!  hope  you  will  not  attribute  ray 
delay  in  answering  vour  last,  to  any  want  of  aUention  to 
It,  or  want  of  desire  for  a  frequent  interchange  of  letters. 
I  have  for  a  few  weeks  been  reaUy  so  occupied  in  one 
way  and  another,  as  to  find  very  Uttle  time  indeed  for 
writing  or  reflection.    While  Sa.ul  vas  sick,  I  spent 
ray  time  entirely  with  her.    After  hei  recovery  we  were 
gone  fiom  our  society  a  good  deal,  and  our  folks  begaa 
I'd  be  quite  impatient  for  more  lectures  and  vUits,  «SiC.— 
Some  were  even  quite  dissatisfied,  and  though^  I  tpent 
less  time  among  them  than  I  ought.    For  two  fc^vS 
previous  to  this,  I  have  been  constantly  engaged  in  visit- 
ing and  preachinr^.    This  week  I  have  suspended  all  to 
ac'company  Sarah  a  part  of  her  journey   home.    I  re- 
turned yesterday  morning,  having  been  gone  four  days, 

"  Mii  this,  as  iu  many  inbtauces,hc  is  manifestly  too  sevcifo  upon 
himself. 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


87 


SabbatlK    I  had  recently  beea  gone  one  Sabbath  oVa 

i"ab.r„:XtL '""'',  "°"^'"'"''' "  •'— -^« 

piauie,  now  that  I  may  with  more  satisfnrt.Vm  t«  .k 
nexl  sprin.  .pend  „  few  weeks  in  v  ,      f  I"  ':„  '■:'"; 
fnends  a.  ,he  nonh,  and  in  Cheshire.    So  I  must  t  v  L 

"ts7"  nf  r",'™'^"  -  I  -n  this  win ir       ' 

Mrs  Covell's  health  was  poor  when  she  lefi  though 
much  improved  from  what  it  had  been.  She  enZed 
•he  journey  to  Troy  quite  as  well  as  we  eTec  "d  A 
break  ,n  the  canal  interrupted  our  ride  in    le  boa.  a1 

WednesdaT    1  n^'"     "  "?"'""  ^"'''^  ''"^  Whitehall, 

.™.berassoonl:ti4':;:■^.S:L  rLt:r 

I  feel  the  loss  of  her  society  oery  uuck.    I  expected  , J 

n  all  other  things,  experience  teaches  us  vastly  more 

nan  everythtng  else.    I  hope  however  that  our  uLn"^ 

."en    mny  prove  beneficial  to  Sarah.    Her  morhe  Tl 

Kneht  ol  her  care  one  wmter  more.    If  here  we  shonl,1 
e  out  a  great  deal  in  the  cold  and  often  t„  ^^    wh   h 

»reat  while  we  may  have  a  home  of  our  own  «    But  r 
ave  sister,  al,no.i  aono  hoping  for  much  of  h.pptss 

ne  at  t"'  u  ""''''"  '""^    '  <■"''  ^  "isposition'o! 
!;i!li^!-!!:!j!!!!!^!!!ljl:^^^^   vet  I  have  seen 


'  Thoy  had  never  yet  kc;  t  house,  but  L.oarded  out. 


'»■ 


m   n 


88 


MEMOIR     or 


enough  of  life  and  of  men,  lo  convince  me  that  the  earth 
is  cursed  for  man's  sake,  and  that  in  sorrow   he  must 
dwell  upon  it  all  the  days  of  his  life.    My  thoughts  have 
lately  been  more  upon  the  clianges  and  miseries  of  this 
life,  and  the  reasons  we  have  to  hope  for  a  happier  and 
immortal  stale,  than  usual.    I  do  certainly   think  an  in- 
telligent and  pious  expectation  of  a  happy  immortality  is 
the  richest  boon  of  heaven.      What  is   -^ur  existence 
without  it  ?    What  can  cheer  the  heart  oi  him  who  really 
expects  lo  die,  and  perish  like  the  brute?    But  with  this 
hope  of  living  forever— of  being  hereafier  exempted  from 
sin  and  suffering,  and  conlirmed  in  holiness  and  felicity 
—how  desirable  is  our  exixtence,  how  high  and  glorious 
our  deslliiy !     O,  it  is  infinite  benevolence  in  the  great 
Author  of  our  being  and  of  our  redemption,  to  give  us 
full  assurance  of  the  fact,  that  we  are  immortal.     Shall 
we,  my  dear  sister,  shall  loe,  after  a  few  years  of  change 
and  sorrow  here,  be  admitted  lo  a  happier  state?     Shall 
we  have  more  perfect  and  adoring  views  of  Him  whose 
"goings  forth  have  been  from  everlasting?''    Shall  we 
see  as  he  is,   the  glorious  being  who  delivers  us  from 
sin,  and  will  at  last  redeem  us  from  the  grave  ?    Shall 
we  with  millions  and  millions  of  happy,  exalted  crea- 
tures, enjoy  forever  an  inierchange  of  holy  and  congen- 
ial sentiment?    Is  not  this  enough  to  remove  all  our 
despondings  of  heart?    Why  should  we  be  dismayed  at 
ihe  tiials  of  'nhis  present   lime?"     They   are  really 
"unworthy  to  be  compared  v;ith  the  glory  which  will  be 
revealed  in  us."    Let  us  cheer  up  our  spirits,  and  amid 
all  the  ills  of  life  "bate  not  a  jot  of  heart  or  hope," 
knowing  in  whom  we  have  believed.    He  will  keep 
what  we  commit  to  him  till  that  day. 

I  thank  you  for  your  account  of  your  protracted  meet- 
ing. I  should  be  very  glad  to  hear  the  result  of  ihe  other 
which  followed  it.    Give  me  all  the  news  you  can.    1 


ALANSON    L.    C  0  V  E  L  L. 


89 


hope  Sally  w,ll  be  successful  in  soliciting  Elder  Morse 
for  our  father's  papers.  We  ought  to  have  had  them 
long  ago.  Do  not  fail  to  write  very  soon  and  very  often. 
You  knovv  I  shall  need  your  letters  very  n.uch  this  win- 
ter.  I  will  try  to  be  punctual  in  answering  them.  Give 
my  love  to  each  one  of  the  chUdren  and  to  Mr.  Brown. 
Youraflectionate  brother, 
Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown.  ^^^^^on  L.  Covell. 

To  the  same: 

Whilesboro,  Nov.  29,  1831. 

Mydearsis,er:-Yourlet.er  dated  .ho  13,1,,  was  re- 
cewed  m  due  time,  and  would  have  received  an  earlier 
answer  had  my  lime  not  been  much  oecuj.icd  of  late  ia 
pastoral  duties.  Our  folt,  .hi„k  i  ,,,„  „„^|„.  ,  „^^ 
keep  me  a  home,  and  n.ako  a  great  .nany  ..^^^Jo. 
vists  and  ectares.    I  have  endeavored  to  gratify  ,hm 

with  a  b"d  'T , '  It  "'=="■  '"■  ^"y »-'» " 

wuh  a  bad  cold,  which  has  often  made  it  very  difficult 
10  preach  I  am  now  very  nearly  well  of  this.  I  should 
be  very  happy  ,„deed  could  I  inform  you  that  all  oM 
evemn.  meettnss  were  such  as  you  have  described  you" 
«o  be.  No  unusual  i..dications  of  better  days  exist  a" 
present  ,n  our  society.  I  baptized  five  at  our  last  com- 
munion.   God  grant  the  revival  may  long  continue  with 

Ihle^e   nf"""'  P""""'^«' »i>»So  i"  the  religion* 
Ed  r  M  M    '■™'-.™'^';''"»"y-    I  »ni  glad  to  hear  that 

Messed  m  ihe  Lord.  You  will  oblige  me  very  much  to 
remem  er  me  affectionately  to  him,  Ivhen  vou'nex  s  e 
him.  Protracted  meeiinss  are  as  frequent  in  this  vicinf- 
ty  as  they  were  m  the  summer.  I  have  attended  two 
withm  a  few  weeks.  Wc  have  had  none  here  yet.  W. 
probably  shall  have  this  winter 

»  «  *  *  . 


I  I  M0»  R  OF 

M  my  other  things  I  meant  to  have  written  in  answer 
to  your,  'hi^'h  relates  to  the  ovi  al  i  '  "  d  rusty  pro- 
fessi  rs."  I  hi.ve  only  rooui  to  m)  thai  my  wisJies  ^tq 
the  same  as  yours,  though  I  fear  my  heart  is  not  as 
penitent.  If  not  an  ''old,"  I  am  a  very  *' rusty"  pro- 
fessor, and  need  to  be  re-quickc?  jd.  l^ou  will  pray  for 
me.  Give  my  love  to  your  husband  an^  'lildren,  and 
believe  me 

Ever  you.  affectionate  brother, 

Al  \NSON  L.  COVELL. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown. 

To  the  same  : 

\lUteshoro\  March  2,  1832. 

My  dear  sister: — I  will  no  longer  deny  myself  the 
pleasure  of  saying  I  am  grateful  for  your  last,  which  was 
duly  received.  I  had  long  expected  it,  and  had  several 
times  been  on  the  poll'  of  writing  to  enquire  if  you  were 
not  sink.  7  is  I  should  have  done,  had  I  not  been  called 
stway  lu  p  a-aeted  meetin^'^  o  much  that  I  have  hardly 
found  ti:  3  to  read  the  lett^  have  received.  For  two 
or  il  'e  weeks  my  time  ha.  ivn  still  more  occupied  at 
home.  We  have  now  some  revival  here.  I  have  to  go 
from  house  to  house,  night  and  day,  to  sec  and  help  those 
who  are  mourning  for  tlitir  offences  against  God,  those 
Avho  are  equally  pained  for  their  awful  backslidings  from 
the  Savior,  and  those  who  hope  in  his  mercy  and  are 
trying  to  learn  their  duty.  This  work  is  as  fatiguing 
and  exhausting,  as  it  is  pleasant  and  uninterrupted.— 
About  20  have  embraced  religion.  Many  of  them  are 
members  of  Presbyterian  families,  but  having  been 
awakened  in  our  meetings  they  make  the  same  do  nand 
upon  my  attentions  that  any  others  do.  The  revival 
commenced  in  our  proiractcd  meeting,  which  commenced 
the  first  week  in  last  month,  and  continued  nine  days.— 
Our  church  are  quite  awakened  to  a  sense  of  their  obli- 


A  L  ANSO  N    L. 


gafions;   our  nieetin 


CO VELL 


91 


prospect  b,.fore  us  is  murbrHuerlr'r"'  .""'^  '^' 
do  noe  think  however  than  ther^  L     \"v  Tr  f;  ._^ 


called  a  general 
ir  hearts  are 


yet  what  ought  to  be 


not  be. 


revival,  and  I  fear  there  will  noi  dp 

Presbyterian  :iLokZ\ZWl  '  "  !'"^'  "^"^ 
in  Whitesboro',  which  U^^ZZX^a  "  TT'"" 
.nany  are  convinced  oC  .heir  evil  wavt  .  '  '"'' 

ancient  jailor   "Sirs    J  !  .'^  '  ^"'' "^  "'"' ""^ 

Mr.  Galusha  has  :;:'  ^r"  '  '"  '"  '^  •"^^'■'"- 
^ouBii  peace  in  beiievL  ""'"='  *"""'  h^^e 

Asitnil'ar  state  of  i'feX"'"'  7",?"  ='^™''-^''- 
in  our  county.  °  '  "  ""''>'  ^"  "«  churches 

I  Imve  but  a  moment  this  morning  ,o  write     n„ 
Jon  the   brevity,  and  receive  it  as  a  ,okel  „r     ,  ■""■; 
would  !,ave  written,  not  as  the  a«  of  vl      I  fe     f!  "'  ' 
and  your  dear  family.         *        *        ^^^'^^  l«el^for  you 

Your  affectionate  brother, 
Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown.  ^'  ^'  Novell. 

To  the  same,  April  7,  heliys : 

'  1  am  no  less  enffaf^cd  in  mcf/M-^i  i   .     , 

'«  wrote  you.    ,  U..I  bu  tv     '"    ,e  ul  't!"  "'?■ ' 
my  studv,  eUe  I  ^hnnl.i  i  '^  ^P^"^  in 

«ol.    TLreis  ,0  a      rnxrr'^''"'""  ''"''' 
feclin.  produced  by  a  e  re"  varTn""™   "'  '"" 

Saged  in  talking  about  bantilm  "  d     1         "''  ""'^  ™- 

^ome  think  onelhin/andrrofh:^°^Afr:rery 
'l™g  IS  said,  good  and  bad,  true  and  fal  „     T,        ^ 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

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92 


MEMOIR  OP 


h»  was  to  be  blamed.    My  lot  in  this  respect  is  much 
he  was  to  oe  ^^^  acknowledge 

easier  "'="'''>"' ;fjJ'^No„„e  calls  it  in  question.    The 
tamerstontobevald^   NO  ^^^^^^^  „„,)ihatthe 

„„  y  plea  .3  (and  that  a  m         ^^^^^^^  ^^^^^^^.^^^  ^^^^ 
ordinance  .s  not  ~  »  ^^^„  ^^p^i,,^  ia 

^cr:^te!;;:t^o.be.o— .andothe. 
soon.    Ten  or  twelve  have  joined  by  letter. 
To  the  same :  ^_  „,Aa,,6„,„',  April  IS,  1832. 

•.„,.!  have  onlv  one  moment  which  I  can 
My  dear  stster  -I  have  onjy  ^^  ,„  ^^^ 

devote  to  this  letter ,  anc.  this  ^_^ 

that  by  Divine  P«»7'°»_l"f^     j  laU  lenve  home 
Wednesday  the  second  day  of  May  J  sh 

-  r  .1:e^rrh;vTrnrn:^'n1e:  some  unhapp; 
you  by  the  time  1  nave  .  m^  for  me 

event  arrests  ^  »"''^,  ,\' "Th/reason  of  this  I  wiU 
,0  stay  more  than  one  n'S'  '•  J'"'     ^=  ^y  heaUh 

PTnlain  to  vou  more  fally,  when  1  see  you         , 
TvS  good,  though  I  a»>-i.htve,,  m„,i  f.^  e^, 

""'T^^cfsS  \'XEhtmica,  to_ 
1  rlin"  1  one  to  Sally,  requesting  her  to  meet  .. 
raornm,.    n  ^^^  ^^  yourself. 

acyourboase.    My  love  to  j  ^^^^^^N  L.  Coveli. 

The  contemplated  short  visit  was  made,  being  a  di- 
The  CO.  ump  ^^.^  ^^.^^^^  ^^  j^^  „„„,,, 

gression    '"^^^"^In  home.    From  a  letter  to  bis 
:-te;t::,TNo^.\2,m.,  we  take  tire  foUowin. 

«M,  dear  sister :-When  I  received  your  last.Id, 
.JtlJl  that  so  long  a  time  shouU  .aPse  befo.^^^ 
answered  it.    U  was  put  iiuo  "•Vj-^^^^Le  almost 
going  to  a  protracted  ^-"""l^/j'^^gsTathe  vicinity, 
jjie  whole  time  since,  to  similar  nieeuuoa 


ALANSON    L.    C  0  V  E  L  L  . 


93 


This,  with  several  extra  church  meetings  at  home,  and 
more  than  the  usual  proportion  of  funerals  has  left  me 
very  little  time  indeed  for  anything  else.    I  find  as  oae 
year  succeeds  to  another,  the  duties  of  a  pastor  become 
more  numerous  and  arduous.    I  used  to  find  far  more 
lime  for  leisure  and  improvement  than  I  can  at  present. 
Certain  it  is  that  there  "remaineth  a  rest  for  the  people 
of  Godj"  and  happy  indeed  it  is  for  us,  if  in  this  state 
of  anxiety  and  toil,  we  are  sustained  by  the  hope  of  it. 
********** 
I  found  but  little  at  Charlotte  for  a  Memoir  of  our 
father.    Mother   told  me  that  the  subject  of  a  Memoir 
was  very  much  talked  of  at  the  time  of  his  death,  that 
there  were  materials  enough  for  a  volume  which  might 
have  been  easily  procured,  but  it  was  not  done— that  the 
n.aterials  uhich  might  then  have  been   collected  were 
now  lost :  that  his  writings  had  been  lent  or  given  to 
one  and  another  of  his  friends,  so  that  she  could  not  now 
kQow  where  to  inquire  for  them.    Do  your  knoAV  whether 
sister  Woicott  has  written  Elder  Morse  on  the  subject?" 

To  the  same  :  » 

"  JV/iilesboro\  Jan.  21,  1S33. 
My  dear  sister:— I  received  your  last  just  as  I  was 
leaving  home  to  attend  a  protracted  meeting.    I  have 
been  from  home  most  of  the  time  since. 

I  have  recently  made  a  new  engagement  with  the 
people  here.  I  have  engaged  to  settle  with  them  per- 
manently, as  their  pastor,  or  at  the  least  for  five  years. 
They  have  raised  my  salary  to  ^i;500.  This  will  give 
us  a  little  more  certainty  for  the  future,  than  we  have 
had  for  a  few  years  past,  and  a  little  increase  our  means 
I  of  living  more  as  we  desire.  We  intend  to  commence 
house  keeping  in  the  spring.  *  *  * 

There  are  so  many   ways  for  us  to  be  disappointed  in 
jour  safest  calculations^  that  I  do  not  alloAv  myself  to 


94 


MEMOIR     OP 


indulge  any  very  strong  hopes  of  the  future.  Life  and 
health  and  every  thing  are  uncertain.  May  God  pre- 
pare us  for  all  that  is  to  come.        *        *        *       * 

Mr.  Wooisey  is  now  preaching  with  great  acceptance 
to  the  secoFxd  Baptist  Church  in  Paris.  There  has  been 
a  considerable  revival  since  he  has  been  among  them, 
and  a  great  increase  of  the  congregation.  They  have 
lately  built  a  new  raecting-hou'-e  which  is  to  be  opened 
for  divine  worship  next  Wednesday.  Dr.  K.  is  to  preach 
on  the  occasion.     A  protracted  meeting  is  to  follow. 

Mrs.  Covell  joins  me  in  affectionate  regards  to  your- 
self and  family.    I  hope  you  will  write  soon. 
Your  affectionate  brother, 

Alanson  L.  CoVELL. 

Mis.  D.  C.  Brown."  \ 

Whiteshoro\  July  9,  1833. 

My  dear  sister:— Perhaps  my  best  plea  for  not  writing 
sooner,  is  to  plead  "  guilty."    Do  not  however  be  "  strict 
to  mark  my  iniquities,"  else  T  must  be  condemned  by  all 
my  friends,  as  I  have  done  nothing  at  writing  letters  this 
long  time.    My  only  apology  is,  that  I  have  had  for  the 
last  three  months  so  much  more  than  usual  care  and  la- 
bor, that  I  have  found  no  leisure  for  correspondence,  or 
study,  not  even  to  premeditate  my  discourses  for  the 
Sabbath.    We  are  as  you  expected,  "keeping  house."- 
Thcre  is  vastly  more  care  and  labor  in  "keeping  houise" 
than  there  used  to  be  in  being  kept.    I  think  however 
we  shall  find  enjoyments  peculiar  to  ouv  present  situa- 
ation,  more  than  equal  to  its  perplexities.     Our  friends 
here  are  all  very  glad  to  see  us  in  a  home  of  our  own, 
and   many   of  them  are   very  kind.      They   made  us 

''Donation  Party,"  two  weeks  ago,  and  for  once,  filled 
our  house  with  people,  even  to  overflowing.  Their 
presents  are  quite  a  help  to  us. 


ALANSON    L.    OOVELL. 


9S 


Mrs.  Corell  has  hr,cl  very  p„or  health  since  I  last  wrote 
you,  and  ts  now  but  just  able  to  keep  about  the  house.- 
For  myself  have  found  .bat  sawing  wood  and  keeping 
mir  garden,  have  contributed  verjr  much  to  n>y  health     " 

It  .snow  several  weeks  since  I  have  wri  ,  „      'o„ 
parents  ,n  Char  o.te     and  I  have  as  yet  received  no  an 
s«r,  from  which  I  conclude  .hey  are  all  well     F°,il 
n»d  mo.her  talk  of  visi.inj  yourself  and  siste;  VVoT cC 
III  August  or  September. 

We  attended  the  anniversary  at  Hamilton  last  month 
winch  was  rendered  unusually  interesting  by  the  pres^ 
o«  of  Mrs.  and  Mr.  Wade,  just  returned  From  Burtna 
«ll.  two  natives,  a  Burman  and  Karen,  amon-.  the  fir  t' 
converts  to  the  Chris.iun  faith  from  th'eir  resp'ec     e  n 
oas.    The.t  appearance  is  very  singular,  and  wherever 
liiey  go,  great  multitudes  flock  to  see  them.    The  Bur 
,»aa,s  below  the  common  stature  of  Amerieaas;  the 
Karen  just  about  our  common  size.    Their  comple.  on 
.drker  than  our  native  Indians,  whom  they  resemble 
|.»ch  more  than  they  do  the  Negroes.    TJ,ey  wear  Teir 
fcair  long,  which  is  done  up  in  a  white  turban  tha      ev 
wear  upon  ,hc.r  heads.     They  wore  each  r  biacl   1    se 
!.«  which  came  down  about  to  the  knees,  tna  e  ve^ 

ntt)]         ,      ^>f"'';.  un-'orstanding  Burman  as  well 

^     Englisn,  mterprets  from  us  to  them  and  from  them  to 

,^.   Many  questions  were  thus  proposed  to  them,  relat- 

I   ?  to  Iheir  country  and  ours,  to  the  religion  of  Christ 

of  Gaudama,  their  reasons  for  renouncing  the  one 

.      mb.-ac.ng  the  o.her,   which  they  answered  very 

■ly  an    mteiiiglbly.     They  see  a  great  many  thin"! 

re  wh,  h  occasion  great  surprise,  and  often  great  de-, 

ikould  loll--    7^  ''"'"   '"'''"''^  "'■^'  '^'"'^"""^  fcere 

hst,ngu„hed  from  them:  when  in  Burmah  thev  can 

"«  a  dtscple  as  soon  as  they  see  him.    Seeing  a  com- 


*x 


96 


M  E  ai  0  1  R    OF 


pany  on  their  way  to  church  very  gay  in  their  dress  and 
their  conversation,  they  soberly  asked,  "What  God  do 
those  people  worship?"  A  question  which  it  is  possible 
some  might  find  it  inconvenient  to  answer.  They  have 
been  one  Sabbath  in  Utica  with  Mr.  Wade,  and  very 
soon  we  expect  them  here. 

Four  of  tlie  young  men  who  graduated  in  June,  are 
with  their  wives  destined  as  missionaries  to  Burmah.- 
Mr  Wade  spends  the  summer  at  Hamilton  to  teach  them 
the  Burmari  language.  They  will  all  go  to  Burraah, 
probably,  next  year,  with  the  natives  who  have  each  left 
a  family  there. 

Nothing  very  interesting  has  lately  occurred  m  out 
society.  Three  were  baptized  yesterday,  and  seven 
joined  us  by  letter.  The  general  state  of  religious  feel- 
ing is  however  very  low  among  us. 

Mrs.  C.  joins  me  in  affectionate  regards  to  yourself 
and  family.    You  will  please  recollect  in  reading  this, 
that  I  have  written  ar  fast  as  I  possibly  could,  and  find 
it  now  too  late  to  mind  mistakes. 
Your  affectionate  brother, 

Alanson  L.  Covell. 

"  Whiteshoro\  Dec.  5,  1833. 
My  dear  sister :— Your  last  was  received  four  days 
since.    I  was  very  glad  indeed  to  hear  particularly  from 
yourself  and  your  family.    We  are  prepared  to  sympa- 
thize with  you  in  all  your  sickness  and  trouble,  aad  to 
join  your  hearty  thanksgivings  to  Him  "  who  holds  our 
souls  in  life,"  and  has  delivered  us  from  all  our  dangers 
and  fears.    Give  my  love  and  Mrs.  Covell's  to  your  dear 
children  who  have  been  sick,  with  my  earnest  hope  that 
they  are  spared  to  be  a  blessing  to  their  parents,  to  each 
other  and  to  the  world.    Mrs.  Covell,  as  you  have  hoard, 
has  been  very  sick,  "  nigh  unto  death."    One  day  her 
physicians  thought  she  was  dyiog,  and  could  not  survive 


ALAN30N    L.    COVELL. 


97 


the  day.    But  God  has  raised  her  up  again.    She  has 
rode  out  a  fe^vr  times  and  sets  up  in  her  room  nearly  all 
the  day.    For  a  few  days  past,  she  has  not  been  so  well. 
We  think  however  that  she  will  in  a  fe^y  months  be  re- 
stored to  her  former  health.    Our  little  Elmira  has  been 
from  the  first,  a  very  healthy,  strong,  active  child.    We 
think  of  course,  that  she  is  very  bright  and  handsome. 
After  her  mother  became  so  sick,  we  were  obliged  to 
find  her  another  nurse.    A  lady  in  the  village  h^vinir 
lost  an  infant  child  has  taken  her,  and  will  keep  her  as 
long  as  we  wish.    She  thinks  every  thing  of  her   and 
takes  uncommon  good  care  of  her.    For  the  present  she 
IS  as  well  off  as  she  can  be,  and  is  only  a  few  rods  from 

We  have  taken  a  family  into  our  house  this  winter 
and  board  with  them.    I  found  it  vastly  expensive  to 
keep  house  With  hired  help.    Two  girls  who  had   no 
interest  of  thoir  own,  could  not  do  as  we  wished  them 
to,  though  they  did  as  well  as  girls  generally  do.    We 
get  along  much  better  now.    We  have  locked  up  all  our 
things  except  those  wr  use,  and  have  no  care  but  for  our 
own  room.    Our  rent  pays  part  of  our  board,  so  that  our 
expenses  are  less  than  half  what  they  were  before     We 
have  a  very  kind,  pleasant  family,  who  do  all  for  us  that 
we  wish.    Our  greatest  inconvenience  is  in  receiving 
our  friends  who  call  upon  us.    But  we  do  the  best  we 
can  for  them.     We  shall  commence  house  keeping  again 
m  the  spring.    Your  kind  enquiries  for  our  expenses,  &c. 
I  am  not  able  to  answer  definitely,  as  I  have  not  yet  set- 
tled with  physicians  and  others.    Some  of  ray  bills  I 
expect  will  be  large,  yet  I  presume  not  so  large  but  I 
shall  be  able  to  meet  them  next  year.    We  have  receiv- 
ed a  great  deal  of  assistance  from  friends  about  us,  which 
has  made  our  expenses  much  less  than  they  would  have 
iJeen.    I  shall  know  more  about  all  this  in  January. 


98 


MEMOIR     OP 


I  never  knew  people  so  kind  in  sickness  as  we  have 
found  them  here.  They  could  not  have  done  more  for 
their  own  relations.  Their  kindness  will  never  be  for- 
gotten. 

I  am  now  obliged  to  close.  Give  ray  love  to  each 
one  of  the  family.  Mrs.  Covell  desires  her  love  to  you 
all.  Your  brother  in  sincere  affection, 

Alanson  L.  Covell. 

To  Mrs.  D.  C.Brown. 

Whitcsbcro',  March,  19,  1834. 

My  dear  sister  :— You  must  not  think  hard  of  me  for 

not  writing  sooner,  when  I  tell  you  a  literal  truth,  thai  I 

have  not  had  time.    I  have  a  number  of  letters  on  hand 

unanswered  which  have  been  delayed  much  longer  than 

yours.        * 

We  held  a  protracted  meeting  in  our  Church  in  Feb- 
ruary, whic!i  continued  two  weeks,  and  has  hardly  stop- 
ped yet.  Perhaps  30  have  "received  the  word  gladly." 
Fifteen  of  them  have  been  baptizt-d.  More  will  be  soon. 
The  Presbyterian  church  commenced  a  similar  meeting 
soon  after  ours  closed,  which  has  been  followed  by  very 
similar  results.  We  have  meetings  of  some  description 
every  day  and  evening.  This  with  conversation  with 
those  who  call,  and  visits  in  families  requires  more  time 
than  I  can  possibly  command.  Yet  I  have  no  wish  that 
the  work  should  ever  stop. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

Alanson  L.  Covell. 

Mrs.  C.  D.  Brown. 

Whitcshoro\  April  23,  1834. 

My  dear  sister:— Your  letter  was  received  a   week 

since.    I  have  been  gone  from  home,  and  so  busy  as  to 

find  no  time  for  any  thing  but  to  preach  and  pray.    A 

few  days  before  I  received  your  last,  I  had  made  airangt- 


ALAN30N    L,    COVEtL. 


09 


ne  go  0  New-York  „.  my  ,oom*  as  i.  was  so  difRcult 
for  rae  to  leave  home.  It  has  been  a  very  »reat  disa,. 
pcmmen,  to  me,  and  from  your  letter,  I  perceive  it  wUI 
le  to  you.  But  I  have  found  the  life  of  a  mini  e7 to 
consist  ,n  sacnficins  himself  for  the  good  of  others  Ijl^ 
tl,ere  .this  left  for  us  all,  that  God°makes  ^lle  final  t 
po^al  of  every  ove^nt  in  life,  in, he  most  wise  and  happy 

*  * 

I  am  obliged  to  write  in  the  greatest  haste,  and  have 
oalir  t,me  to  send  much  love  to  you  all,  desiring  von  to 
write  soon,  and  expecting  to  see  you  here  before  long. 
Your  affectionate  brother, 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown."  ^  '''"'^'"'  ^-  '^°^"■'• 

To  the  same,  May  5,  he  \vriies : 

The  religious  interest  which  has  for  some  time  past  lee,, 
fekm  our  congregation  is  I  fear  rather  subsitij.  There 
H  however  st.l  great  union  and  friendship  among  ch-is- 
"ans,  and  much  engagedness  in  our  prayer  and  confer- 
ence meetings.  A  few  persons  are  asking  the  way  to 
Zion.and  one  Imie  boy  thinks  he  found  pardon  in  the 
Savior  last  week.    Yesterday  was  our  cotlimanio,,.    h 

diurch.  The  house  was  full  of  people,  who  all  lisiened 
It  7"' „«"^'>"™'y-  "We  love  him  because  he 
brst  loved  us,"  was  the  subject  of  preaching,  and  I  can- 
not but  hope  that  the  love  of  our  divine  Savior  was  seen 
m  Its  transcending  excellency,  and  felt  in  its  movinc 
power  by  many.  O  may  it  be  the  sweet  theme  that  shall 
move  ray  tongue  forever. 


nrmn!^  ''="'  *'»S'"«''  <>'  "«'  Convention  to  attend  the  A„m. 

7 


I 


I 


yr. 


i?  -[jjl^ilw 

r'    't-; 

100 


MEMOIR   or 


Mv  dear  sister,  is  it  not  an  infinite  favor,  that  in  all  out 
feats  and  troubles,  we  can  approach  the  presence  of  our 
reconciled  God  and  Father,  and  know  that  his  ear  is  ever 
open  to  out  cry,  and  his  roerciful  hand  evet  teady  to  be 
reached  out  for  our  deliverance?    Blessed  be  las  holy 
name.    He  will  hear,  he  will  answer  our  prayers.    The 
more  I  experience  of  the  ills  of  life,  and  the  more  I  ob- 
serve  them  in  others,  the  more  I  see  and  feel  the  value  o 
Z  precious  promise,  "  Cast  thy  burden  on  »>»  Lord  and 
he  will  sustain  thee."    I  have  no  doubt  that  t  ts  w.ll  te 
verified  to  everyone  who  heart.ly  trusts  m  it     Omay 
God  enable  us  to  trust  in  him  with  all  our  hearts. 

Next  week  I  am  going  to  a  Protracted  Meeting.  In- 
deed it  is  with  me  not  much  different  from  a  protracted 
meeting  all  the  while,  as  people  ate  calling  on  me,  ot  1 
I  hem,  ot  we  ate  holding  meetings  almost  constintl, 

Inkind  affectionaud  the  blessed  hope  of  a  beUerwotU, 
lamyourbtothet,  Av.anson  L.  Cov.u. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown. 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


101 


CHAPTERIV. 

Reflections ;  The  Pastor  in  the  Closet   or  tha  w  . 
continued  mostly  by  journal  '  or  tiie  History 

car,  shull  lie  not  hear?    He  that  nm.lo  tl.n  L    ;     ,,.  '""nod  the 

How  consoling  to  the  believer  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
this  precious  portion  of  truth.    What  a  consciousness  o 
safety  m  the  assurance,  that  our  glorious  Author  and 
final  Disposer    IS  intimately   acquainted  with  all  our 
organization.    That  the  "outer"  and  "the  inner  man  " 
m  all  their  mysterious  connection  and  reciprocity  of  ac 
tion    are  plain  to  his  all  comprehending   view.     "He" 
needeth  not  that  any  should  testify  unto  him  of  man,  for 
He  knoweth  what  is  in  man  -  of  course  he  is  intimate!  J 
acquamted  with  all  his  varied  need,  competent  to  appi 
all  his  circumstance-possessed  of  all  "the  treasures  o' 
wisdom  and  knowledge,"  he  erreth  not  in  adaptation 
hence  the  individual  and  the  species  may  exclaim    "hJ 
(loeth  all  things  well."  '     "® 

It  is  sometimes  matter  of  wonder  to  us,  "  who  are  but 
of  yesterday,  and  know  nothing,"  that  persons  who  an 
pear  to  be  worthy  of  all  good  things  should  nevertheless 
suffer  privation  and  discomfort.    It  seems  s^.e  to  u, 
00,  to  behold  one  who  gives  abundant  evidence  o/havinl 
been  much  with  Jesus,  distrusting  the  nature  of  his  oil 
exercises  and  fearing  that  he  is  impelled  to  strive  after 
hohness  by  unholy  motives,-such  as  a  desire  to  appear 
holy  in  the  eyes  of  fellow  men,  a  wish  to  appear  xlZ 
owned  and  blessed  of  God  in  efforts  to  serve  him     We 
wonder,  too,  to  see  such  an  one  filled  with  self-abase- 


102 


M n M 0 I R  OP 


Dient,  excessively  amicted  with  it;  but  He  who  saw  fit 
to  appoint  unto  the  great  apostle  of  the  Gentiles,  a  thorn 
ill  the  ilesh,  on  account  of  "the  abundance  of  the  reve- 
lations," well  understands  what  is  uost  needful  to  every 
peculiarity  of  mind  among  his  chosen  servants.  If  there 
be  "diversities  of  tperations,"  there  must  also  be  diver- 
sity  of  counterbalancinc;  circumstances,  lest  any  "  be 
exalted  above  measure." 

This  view  will  account  unto  us,  for  the  exceeding 
lowness  of  self-estimation  in  the  subject  of  our  present 
Memoir.    Though  destiiute  of  the  advantages  of  a  "  lib- 
eral education,"  he  was  eminenlly  acceptable  and  suc- 
cessful in  the  ministration  of  the  holy  word.    The  God 
of  nature  had  given  him  a  speech  "like   the  pen  oC  ;i 
ready  writer,"  and  the  God  of  all  grace  had  caused  tiia 
"  heart  to  indite  good  matter;"  of  course  he  ever  found 
the  listening  ear  and  the  applauding  tongue.    Had  he 
not  also  been  blessed  with  native  modesty  in  an  usual 
degree,  he  might,  under  these  circumstances,  have  be- 
come self-complacent  and  vain  glorious.    Mr.  Cowper 
speaks  like  one  experienced,  when  he  says,  "  O  popular 
applause,  what  heart  of  man  is  proof  against  thy  sweet 
seductive  charms."    If  "the  fear  of    man  bringeth  a 
snare,"  doth  not  also  the  praise  ?    "How  can  ye  believe, 
which  receive  honor  one  of  another,  and  seek  not  the 
honor  which  cometh  from  God  only  1"    Of  this  Mr. 
Cove II  was  fully  aware,  and  was  continually  fearful  cf 
the  deceitfulness  of  his  own  heart,  and  seems  to  have 
maintained  a  constant  jealousy  over  himself  for  God, 
and  appeared  at  limes  to  refuse  that  which  was  his  hon- 
est due. 

.Wherever  his  location, from  the  beginning  to  the  close 
of  his  ministry,  he  never,  as  the  phrase  is,  "  preached 
away  his  hearers."  Increasing  numbers  and  attention 
almost  invariably  marked  his  course.    His  powers  ot 


ALANSON    L.    (  0  V  E  1.  i,. 


108 


.lu  ,Jat.oa  were  happy,  and  .,i,  application  of  divine 
.ru.l,  ever  per.m™.,  forcible,  and  a.  Ics  pnn4„.  H  . 
wa,  not  only  blessed  with  the  talent  of  Zf"!.  ,^„ 
""""'  •:  ''-'"^•'""•  '0  every  one's  cons  „ce  "^d  tf 
S.v,ng  the  gospel  trumpet  its  accents  of  certa  nTi  ,o  eve 
ryauduor,  but  occasionally  to  wield  "the  sword  of  ,,  I 

row.      Many  a  self-complacent  moralist  felt  the  edce  of 
h.s  remarks;  many  a  boastful  Deist  found  the  unanswer 
nblenest  of  h.s  arguments;  and  men  from  b""h  trete 
classes,  were  made  humble,  happy  believers  under  1. 
«un,strauon^^   Yet  the  weapons  of  his  warfare  were  „  " 

werTver  I'd    "°'  "T"''""'  "°  "'""^'^''"^  -^ """ 

might  of  God's  own  appointed  means,  for  "the  pull  „' 

own  of  strong  holds-  nor  did  he  trus't  in  va       W  i  f 

-while  h,3  popularity  was  increasing-while  he  was 
becoming  „,ore  extensively  known-and  while  each  new 
acquaintance  became  a  friend,  the  sense  of  his  own  !n 

VVith  aratoful  wonder,  he  ascribes  all  the  praise  "to  the 
glory  of  Tr,s  grace  who  had  called  him." 

And  now,  in  selecting  chronologically  from  the  abund- 
ance 0  materials  before  us,  we  have  come  to  the  main 
body  of  his  '<joun,al...  And  hereupon  the  subject  of 
makng  extracts,  have  paused  and  prayed,  and 'destred 
0  know  how  far    might  with  propriety,  draw  from  a 

Wrtl  nT"',  ''  "'  """""'  •«  be  strictly  private.- 
Written  not  with  a  view  to  meet  the  public  eye  but  to 
assist  himself  in  his  endeavors  to  become  morj  s'pi'itual 
mmded,  more  holy  unto  God.  While  pondering  on  ihis 
Object,  the  last  words  he  ever  uttered,  let  me  alone,»« 
_J  These  words  were  iu  reply  to  an  offer'Tiiu.ething  ta  we.  hU 


104 


MEMOIR  OP 


have  run*'  in  my  ear  with  disheartening  effect,  and  I  have 
been  led  Id  question  the  propriety  of  thus  invading  the 
repositories  of  the  dead.    But  noticing  in  his  journal 
how  much  his  own  mind  was  benefitted  by  reading  the 
diary  of  others,  and  believing  too  that  "as  face  answer- 
eth  to  face  in  water,  so  doth  the  heart  of  man  to  man,"  I  have 
arrived  at  the  conclusion,  that  true  humility  will  not 
withhold  aught  that  will  have  a  beneficial  tendency .- 
«  We  are  not  our  own,  we  are  bought  with  a  price ;" 
and  shall  not  gratitude  to  Him  "who  hath  purchased  us 
with  his  own  blood,"  make  us  willing  to  subserve  h.s 
blessed  cause  in  any,  every  possible  manner?    Yea 
cause  us  to  overcome  the  shrinkings  of  (perhaps  a  false) 
delicacy  at  thought  of  having  the  veil  of  privacy  with- 
drawn, and  the  transactions  of  the  closet  disclos^dj?- 
"  Freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give." 

THE  JOURNAL. 
"Monday  morning,  Dec.  1,  1834. 
For  a  long  time  I  have  been  deeply  convinced  of  the 
necessity  of  being  more  holy  in  my  affections,  and  in  the 
motives  of  my  conduct.    When  I  look  back  upon  my 
reli-ious  experience,  I  see  the  most  decisive  and  lamen- 
tabfe  evidence,  that  if  I  have  been  a  christian,  1  have  been, 
in  point  of  true,  vital  holiness,  "  the  least  of  all ;"  that  if 
indeed  sanctified  by  the  grace  of  God,  it  has  been  in  the 
lowest  degree.    I  have  not  been  worthy  to  be  called  a 
christian.    How  few  have  been  the  seasons  m  which  I 
can  now  say,  that  I  was  at  all  devoted  to  God.    And  yet 
I  have  openly  professed  to  be  a  true  and  hearty  christian. 
I  have  taken  upon  me  the  office  of  a  public  minister  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.    1  have  received  the  approbation  and  conh- 
dence  of  the  christian  ministry  around  me.    I  have  le- 
ceived  the  confidence  of  the  dear  church  of  my  Savior. 
Her  highest  and  most  sacred  interests  have  been  com- 
mitted "'to  mj  trust.    She  has  looked  to  me,  to  cl^erish 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


105 


those  iQterests  affectionately,  and  to  promote  them  ar- 
dently and  constantly.    The  church  has  had  a  right  to  ex- 
pect this  at  my  hand.    But  O   how  deficient  I  have 
been.    How  little  deep,  ardent  affection  for  the  character 
and  interests  of  Zion  have  I  felt.    How  little  have  I  en- 
deavored to  promote  her  prosperity.    I  have  indeed  oftea 
performed  very  arduous  labor,  and  endured  great  faticrue 
in  the  service  of  the  church,  but  much  of  it  has  been 
mere  bodily  exercise,  and  has  profited  but  little.    Had  I 
been  in  my  heart  more  devoted   to  my  calling ;  had  I 
more  affectionately  valued  the  glory  of  my  God  and  Sav- 
ior j  had  I  more  ardently  longed  for  the  prosperity  of  his 
church,  and  the  eternal  salvation  of  my  fellow  men  the 
same  labor  I  have  performed  would,  I  have  no  doubt 
have  been  f^ar  more  useful  to  my  christian  brethren  and 
to  the  world.    Not  that  I  think  the  a.-nount  of     .or  and 
usefulness,  would  even  then  have  been  only  very  incon- 
siderable.   But  it  would  not,  I  am  persuaded,  have  beea 
so  scanty  and  self-condemning  as  it  is  now." 

He  proceeds  with  some  pages  of  confessings  and  self- 
reproach  and  closes  the  entry  of  that  dav  with  the  fol- 
lowing supplication. 

0  Lord,  do  thou  grant  that  this  may  be  at  least  the 
beginning  of  repentance  and  amendment.  Help  me  still 
to  reflect  to  search  my  heart;  to  study  and  ponder  thy 
word  Help  me  to  detect  the  sins  of  my  heart;  leveal  to 
me  a  1  my  defects  as  a  christian  and  a  minister,  and 
humble  me  for  them.  Give  me  a  deep  sense  of  the 
obligations,  and  imbue  me  with  the  spirit  of  my  office. 
O  make  me  holy  ;  assist  me  in  duty  ;  make  me  faithful 
and  humble.  O,  grant  that  I  may  be  the  means,  under 
thy  favor  and  by  thy  spirit,  of  awakening  the  feelin<rs  of 
my  brethren  in  the  church,  and  of  fixing  the  attention  of 
the  unpardoned  upon  thy  "  great  salvation."  O,  do  thou 
awaken  the  church,  awaken  sinners,  and  glorify  thyself, 


'p\.  il'i 


A 


106 


MEMOIR    OP 


We  have  seen  by  his  communication  of  the  following 
March,  that  the  desired  season  of  "refreshing  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord,"  did  come  upon  himself  and  people. 
We  pass  to  "  Dec.  8.  I  have  this  day  found  very  little 
time  for  reflection  and  prayer.  My  dear  companion  is 
low  on  a  bed  of  sickness,  and  has  been  for  nearly  three 
weeks.  This,  with  the  attention  I  am  obliged  to  give  to 
our  dear  little  one,  employs  my  time,  except  what  is 
necessary  to  devote  to  other  cares.  Yet  I  feel  more  than 
any  thing  else,  the  want  of  being  fully  and  decidedly 
fixed  on  the  attainment  of  holiness.  I  do  hope  and  pray 
that  God  will  assist  me  to  persevere.  O  my  God,  1 
pray  thee,  take  not  thy  holy  spirit  from  me.  Restore 
«nto  me  the  joys  of  thy  salvation,  and  uphold  me  by  thy 
free  spirit,  that  I  may  teach  transgressors  thy  way,  and 
sinners  be  converted  unto  thee.  To  God  my  Savior  be 
all  the  glory.    Amen." 

'•Dec.  16.    I  have  been  trying  to  prepare  myself  to 
make  a  new,  a  cordial,  an  entire  surrender  of  myself  and 
my  all  to  the  will  of  God.    I  long  to  be  truly  and  wholly 
consecrated  to  him ;  but  I  fear  to  enter  into  any  written 
covenant,  lest  I  should  not  do  it  from  a  full  understand- 
ing of  my  case— from  such  convictions  of  judgment,  and 
motives  of  heart,  as  God  will  accept  and  bless;  or  lest  I 
should  not  maintain  it,  and  add  to  all  my  other  ungrate- 
ful sins,  that  of  breaking  my  covenant.    This  fear,  tho' 
judging  from  the  past  it  seems  well  grounded,  does  not  I 
confess,  satisfy  me  that  I  ought  not  to  adopt  such  a 
measure,  and  use  my  utmost  efforts  to  live  agreeably  to 
it.    I  am  now  reading  for  my  spiritual  assistance,  the 
biography  of  Payson.    He  adopted  such  a  measure  and 
was  much  bless  d  in  it.    bo  did  our  lamented  Boardraan. 
So  have  many  others  who  have  been  most  eminently 
blessed  of  God  and  useful  to  the  church.    I  think  it  would 
be  my  greatest  happiness  to  follow  on  in  the  luniin- 


nna 


oothTirnv  nf  thpsG   "  holy  brethren."    Oj  my  God, 


ALANSON    L.    C  0  V  E  L  L  . 


107 


give  me  wisdom,  give  me  humility  and  grace,  that  I  mav 
advance  far  beyond  my  presentste^   .f  religious  feelingJ^ 

fl  7^\u'u^-^^'    ^  "^^  y^ar  h:a  commenced,  and  its 
firs  Sabbath  is  past.    I  have  made  but  a  poor  b  gLnin  ' 
with  It  m  my  religious  course.    I  do  hope  in  t  leTe  " 
of  God  to  be  a^better  man  at  its  close.    YesterdayT  /- 
deavored  to  address  my  church  plainly  and  affectionately 
on  the  necessity  of  awakening  to  more  fervent  zeal  and 
to  more  active  engagedness  in  the  cause.    The  day  was 
excessively  cold  and  the  congregation  very  small.    Our 
communion  season  was  attended  with  less  interest  than 
usual.    I  felt  that  I  had  labored  with  but  little  effect     In 
the  evening  we  had  a  church  conference  and  prayer  meet- 
ing.   It  was  a  time  of  unusual  interest.    Many  of  the 
members  seemed  very  much  awakened  and  appeared  verv 
fervent  in  prayer.    Many  were  confident  that  God  was 
about  to  pour  out  his  spirit  among  us  and  revive  his  work 
0,  may  it  now  begin.    By  the  meeting  I  felt  admonished 
and  encouraged.    It  was  made  very  plain  to  me,  that  I 
was  far  behind  all  the  rest  in  deep  anxiety  and  believin- 
prayer.    I  felt  to  renew  all   my  determinations   to  be 
more  piayerful   and  faithful.    God  being  my   helper   I 
Will  endeavor  to  carry  this  determination  into  effect 
After  some  reflection  upon  them,  I  have  in  the  presence 
of  God  and  I  hope  in  his  fear,  adopted  the  following  re- 
solutions for  the  coming  year.    1st,  By  the  grace  of  God 
I  am  resolved  to  pray  in  secret  at  least  three  times  every 
day  J  nothing  shall  prevent  this,  but  sickness,  or  some 
mii^nous  duty,  so  laid  upon  me  by  the  providence  of 
God  that  I  cannot  omit  it.    2d,  lam  resolved  to  read 
Bome  portion  of  the  Bible  every  day,  for  my  own  person- 
el  improvement  in  knowledge  and  holiness.    3d,  I  am 
resolved  to  be  far  more  faithful  and  diligent  in  pastoral 
iaoors,  m  viiiiing  from  house  to  house,  than  I  have  ever 


108 


MEMOIR    OP 


been  before.  4th,  I  am  resolved  to  be  more  plain  and 
faithful  m  preaching  the  word  to  both  saints  and  sinners. 
5th,  I  intend  to  Ijeep  a  brief  record  of  my  own  progress, 
and  of  the  stale  of  things  in  my  congregation  for  the  coming 
•  year.  O  God,  I  acknowledge  thee  as  my  only  hope  and 
strength,  to  enable  me  faithfully  to  keep  Lese  engagements 
for  this  year.  O,  do  thou  be  pleased  for  thy  mercy's  sake, 
to  grant  me  direction  and  assistance  to  perform  these 
and  all  other  duties  to  thine  acceptance." 

The  succeeding  page  records  the  appointment  for  a 
"  protracted  meeting  "  in  his  church,  his  own  resolutions 
and  desires  respecting  it,  and  his  continued  acknowl- 
edgement of  unfaithfulness.    "Jan.  10.    God  has  beea 
pleased  to  show  me  more  of  the  dreadful  depravity  of 
my  heart.    For  two  days  past  I  have  had  a  clearer  dis- 
covery of  the  pride  of  my  heart  than  I  have  had  before  in 
a  long  time.    I  perceive  that  I  have  been  full  of  vaia 
conceit  in  all  my  duties  as  a  minister.    I  have  sought 
my  own  honor  more  than  the  glory  of  God.    I  have  been 
more  concerned  for  my  roputation  as  a  preacher  in  my 
congregation  than  I  have  for  their  eternal  salvation.    0, 
what  a''  dreadful  sin  !     What  horrid  guilt.    Can  a  min- 
ister of  Christ,  "  who  made  himself  of  no  reputation," 
have  such  a  heart  as  this  ?     I  see,  gracious  God,  how 
vile  I  have  been.    O,  may  thine  infinite  love  forgive  me. 
O  Lord,  I  pray  thee  make  me  humble.     Subdue  my  soul 
by  thy  grace,  and  qualify  me  to  live  for  thy  glory  and 
for  this  alone." 

He  proceeds  for  several  pages  to  heap  reproaches  on 
himself,  and  to  enumerate  pome  outward  embarrassments 
which  he  now  sees  have  been  needful  from  the  hand  of 
God,  (reluming  to  his  own  words,)  ''to  humble  me,  and 
make  me  belter,  that  I  might  be  more  useful.  The  cases 
1  have  mentioned  are  only  a  few   of  the  melhods  God 


ALANSON    L.    COVE  LL 


109 


has  employed  for  this  purpose.*    O,  thai  I  had  always 
seen   and    "  regarded  the  operation  of  his    hand."    O, 
may  his  grace  now  sanctify  me  and  begin  at  last  to  make' 
me  something  nearer  what  I  ought  to  be."    "Jan.  11, 
Sabbath  morning.      Rose   earlier  than    usual-read    a 
chapter  and  tried  to  pray.    Have  not  enjoyed  any  spe- 
cial freedom  in  prayer,  yet  have  in  some  degree  been 
enabled   to  desire   that  God  may  assist  me  to-day  in 
preachmg  his  holy  word,  and  that  he  would  visit  the 
congregation  ivilh  his  spirit  and  presence.    I  have  some 
desires  that  the  name  of  God  may  be  glorified;  but  fear 
they  are  more  selfish  than  holy.    Yet  I  cannot  say  that 
my  soul  13  without  anxiety  for  the  salvation  of  men  and 
for  the  name  of  Jesus   to  be  glorified.     O,  that  I  might 
desire  it  more  and  more.    I  long  to  know  distinctly,  what 
It  is  to  glorify  God.    I  long  to  be  humbled  at  my  Savior's 
feet-to  have  no  will  but  his-io  have  no  interest  save 
the  great  work  to  which  he  has  called  me.    I  can  now 
see  clearly  that  this  is  indispensably  necessary  to  the 
happiness  of  a  minister.    If  he  is  but  half  devoted,  God 
will  not  bless   him— he  will  have  no  prosperity  in  his 
ministry.     This  will  make  him  ashamed  and  miserable. 
At  the  same  time  this  half  devotedness  will  unfit  him  for 
the  pleasures  of  the  world,  even  stich  enjoyments  as  are 
allowable.    It  will  disqualify  him  for  all  worldly  business; 
he  will  be  perpetually  perplexed,  disappointed  and  em- 
barrassed.   He  can  neither  raise  his  soul  to  heaven,  nor 
sink  it  down  to  earth.     He  hangs  in  equilibrium  between; 
he  IS  in  distress  at  the  idea  of  either  prayer  or  preaching. 
This  has  been  too  much  my  condition.    I  hope  and  pray 
that  God  will  deliver  me.     O,  may  he  this  day  come 
among  us;  may   he   set  my  soul  at  liberty!    May  he 


»  u 


n.A  I     'i    ?f  [tbe  Lord]  shall  sit  as  a  refiner  and  purifier  of  silver ; 
Si.  ♦?   »   .  ^'""^-^  ^''^  ^^""^  "^l^^^'-  and  purge  ihem  as  gold  and 

n,.L  »    M  V^''^.'".?7„o'^«''  »nto  tl»e  Lord  an  olTering  in  rightcoiiB- 
ness."    Malachj,  iii,  3,  *         *' 


lie 


MEM  oin    OP 


open  the  hearts  of  his  people  to  pray,  and  of  sinners  to 
attend  to  the  word." 

For  several  pages  he  seems  to  have  obtained  help  of 
God  to  look  deep  into  the  human  heart,  to  discover  the 
secret  turpitude,  the  hidden  abominations  thereof;  and, 
as  might  be  expected,  the  view  appalls  him.  Under  date 
of  Jan  12,  he  says:— 

"  O  Lord  I  pray  thte  heal  my  backslidings.  Not  only 
reclaim  me  for  this  time,  but  heal  my  heart  of  an  inclina- 
tion to  backslide.  O,  do  thou  grant  me  so  much  of  thy 
grace,  and  of  the  enjoyment  of  thy  love,  as  will  qualify 
me  for  the  effectual  discharge  of  the  duties  which  are 
immediately  before  me.  O,  my  God,  I  pray  thee,  if 
consistent  with  thy  holy  will,  to  visit  us  with  the  out 
pouring  of  thy  holy  spirit  in  our  "  protracted  meeting" 
which  is  to  commence  to-morrow.  O,  giant  thy  people 
deep  humility,  and  an  ardent  spirit  of  prayer.  O.  be 
pleased,  I  pray  thee,  to  come  and  awaken  and  convert 
sinners  among  us  for  thy  name's  sake.     Amen." 

*•  January  13.    O,  may  God  grant  that  my  soul  may 
be  brought  out  of  this  trouble.    I  have  been  trying  to 
pray  that  God  would  if  possible  forgive  my  past  sins- 
justify  and  accept  me  in  Christ— sanctify  by  his  spirit 
and  restore  me  to  the  enjoyment  of  himself— give  rac 
assurance  of  my  acceptance  with  him,  so  that  the  ques- 
tion of  my  safety  may  be  determined.    I  long  to  have  it 
settled,  so  that  doubts  shall  harrass,  and  fears  distress 
me  no  more;  so  that  I  can  venture  all  out  into  the  cause 
of  God  as  his  child,  his  redeemed,  his  appointed  and 
approved  minister,  and  devote  all  my  energies  to  induce 
others  to  come  to  him  and  live."    "  Our  prospects  for  a 
good  meeting,  are  decidedly  encouraging." 

"January  14.  This  morning  my  soul  is  in  considera- 
te heaviness,  though  I  have,  as  I  think,  some  little  trust 
and  light  in  the  Lord.    I  do  pray  him  to  send  out  hii 


ALANSON    L.    00  VELt. 


lit 


light  and  his  truth.  Last  evening  we  had  a  very  solemn 
d.co«rse  from  brother  Simmons:  from  the  words  Cu. 
«  down,  why  cumbereth  it  the  ground."  Afte  ermoa 
we  hadaprayer-meeting-very  dnll  and  unin  ere,™" 

Aft  do!:::"  r  ''••"°'"'^^''  -■•  -"'"  •»  =-  ht; 

Alter  Closing,  the  ministers  seemed  very  much  disheart 
cned  except  brother  Hutehins,  he  holds  on.  O  may  " 
ye  ave  the  blessing.  I  do  no.  feel  willing  .  ^Z  1 
«,  though  I  desire  God  to  give  me  far  more  feeling'baa 
I  now  possess."  **      " 

,  ,7T7  .'^'    ^"""''"^  ^^'  '  eood  day  in  our  meet- 
:.;r'  f"'"  "•"»  ■""  ""''^"-ing  fears  had  am    - 

pa  el.        It  appears  that  God  is  on  Zion's  side  " 

January  17.    This  morning  I  do  have  coura-^e  and 

conhdence  to  believe  that  God  is  with  us  and  wiU  bless 


U: 


January  18.  "Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  all 
iha.  1,  w,  bin  me  bless  hi,  holy  name."  God  »ave  us  in 
our  meeting  yesterday,  fresh  encouragement  t!  beUeve 
and  ,0  labor."    "This  is  the  Sabbath.    O,  may  it  b    « 

somewhat  comlorted  and  humbled,  but  not  enough.    I 

pray  God  to  humble  me  more  and  more." 

"January  19.    What  reason  to  be  thankful,  God  has 

.ard  and  ai^wered  prayer  for  the  mighty  ow-pouring  of 

IMS  spirit.    Yesterday  was  a  day  of  his  power.    «  The 

tl.e  Lord  did  valiantly."  Brother  Brown  was  enabled  to 
preach  m  demonstration  of  the  spirit,  and  with  power." 
"January  20.  This  day  I  am  thirty-one  years  old.- 
0,  what  a  sinner  I  have  been.  May  God  help  me  to 
become  a  better  man.  God  was  with  us  in  our  meeting 
yesterday.  O,  my  God,  I  thank  thee  for  what  thou  hast 
lone.  O,  make  me  more  humble  and  devoted,  and  give 
me  a  praying  spirit.    Help  me  to  be  honest,  fervent,  and 


112 


MEMOIR     OP 


0  help  me  to  prevail.  Bless  my  dear  wife.  0,  revive 
her.  Have  mercy  on  her  sister.  Great  God  be  pleased 
10  make  her  a  convert." 

"January  21.  Our  meeting  is  still  very  solemn  and  in- 
teresting, though  last  evening  it  seemed  to  have  come  to 
a  stand.  A  chill  seemed  to  have  come  over  the  minds 
of  the  ministers.  They  could  preach  and  pray  well,  but 
not  with  that  holy  warmth  and  effect  which  they  had 
done.  My  own  soul  was  most  lean  and  barren  of  all.- 
My  mind  has  been  under  a  dark  cloud  these  three  days. 

1  have  had  no  fervor  in  prayer,  no  expansion  of  thought 
in  speaking.    My  soul  is  shut  up.    What  shall  1  do? 
O  my  God,  I  cry  to  thee.    I  know  I  am  a  sinner.   I 
deserve  to  be  forever  under  the  hidings  of  my  face.   I 
have  grieved  thee,  by  my  sins,  to  retire  from  my  soul.   I 
have  not  striven  against  the  pride  of  my  heart  as  I 
ou^ht.    It  has  appeared  in  my  prayers,  in  my  exhorta- 
tions in  my  whole  course  of  duty  in  this  meeting.   I 
have'  been  selfish.    I  have  wanted  a  great  many  to  be 
converted  and  join  the  church,  that  our  numbers  might 
be  greater-lhat  our  influence  in  town  might  compare 
better  with  that  of  other  churches-that  our  name  as  a 
church  might  be  more  respected  and  honored.    I  have 
indeed  endeavored  to  suppress  these  feelings.    I  know 
Ihey  are  wrong.    I  despise  and  hate  them,  and  at  the 
same  time  love  and  cherish  them.    I  covet  still  the  ap- 
plause of  the  congregation.    My  fickle  heart,  my  vam 
conceit,  still  rise  within  me.    I  have  made  some  efforts 
to  subdue  them,  but  they  have  not  been  effectual.    I  am 
still  under  the  influence  of  these  most  detestable  of  all 
sins.    O,  that  I  might  be  humble.    O  Lord,  my  God,  I 
make  it  a  di:tinct,  and  most  solemn  prayer,  that  thou 
wilt  fill  me  with  humility." 

«  Evening.    This  has  been  a  solemn  day  in  our  meet- 
ing.   I  have  made  my  own  case  known  to  the  church, 


ALANSON    h.    COVELL. 


113 


anew.  Brother  Brown  oilered  a  very  solemn  and  affect- 
.ng  prayer  for  this.  0,  my  God,  I  pray  thee  hear  nd 
answer.  Grant  that  I  may  be  a  new  preacher  and  a  new 
pastor  to  this  people.    Grant  me  a  measure  at  least  of 

by  Holy  &p.r:t  I  made  this  request  of  my  brethren 
oecause  I  thought  it  necessary.  I  felt  that  I  greatly 
needed  the  prayers  of  christians,  and  of  the  church  I 
made  the  request  because  I  thought  it  might  humble  my 
pride  to  make  my  case  known  publicly.  I  made  it  also 
because  I  thought  it  might  be  one  means  of  promoting 
what  I  have  of  late  begun  to  seek  for,  viz:  a  far  higher 

egree  of  consecration  to  God.  And  now  I  here  record 
It  as  my  fixed  and  most  solemn  determination,  by  the 
grace  of  God  to  live  agreeably  to  the  request  I  have  pub- 
licly  made,  and  to  all  I  have  expressed  during  ihis  meet- 


ing. 


January  23.  This  morning  the  presence  of  the  Lord 
has  seemed  to  be  with  us.  Some  who  seemed  not  to 
have  been  sufficiently  awakened  are  more  deeply  im- 
pressed,  and  will,  I  hope,  find  the  Savior.  Young  con- 
verts  appear  strong  in  the  Lord.  They  speak  with 
unusual  confidence  in  our  meetings,  seem  tender,  peni- 
tent and  humble,  and  express  unusually  strong  desires  to 
be  wholly  devoted  to  God  hereafter.  I  hope  and  trust 
that  some  others  are  yet  to  be  brought  into  the  kingdom, 
though  the  work  of  conviction  does  not  seem  to  go  on  as 
It  did.  May  the  Lord  bless  us  and  help  us  to  act  agree- 
ably to  the  great  mercies  we  have  received." 

"January  24.  Last  evening  the  meeting  was  very 
solemn.  Some  persons  came  forward  for  prayer  who  had 
never  been  before.  One  man  in  particular  who  has  been 
very  hardened,  intemperate,  profane,  and  desperately 
opposed  to  protracted  meetings.  He  seems  now  to  have 
some  sense  of  his  condition.    I  fear  it  may  not  be  effect- 


a: 


lU 


MEMOIR    OP 


ual  and  lasting;  but  God  i*j  able  to  change  him  into  a 
humble  penitent.    O  Lord,  I  pray  thee  have  mercy  on 
his  soul.    My  own  mind  is  not  yet  set  free  from  sin  and 
doubt  and  fear  as  I  wish  to  have  it.    I  am  under  a  cloud 
of  darkness,  and  feel  unprepared  for  the  duties  I  have  to 
perform.  I  have  just  been  thinking  that  God  may  have  hid 
his  face  from  me,  on  account  of  not  having  gone  to  one 
or  two  of  my  brethren,  as  I  ought  to  have  done,  and  en- 
deavored to  enlist  them  anew  in  the  cause  of  God.    0 
Lord,  I  pray  thee  forgive  me  this  wrong.    O  give  me 
access  to  those  brethren,  and  do  thou  bring  them  back  lo 
duty." 
•      The  meeting  still  continued  and  prospered;  his  own 
progress  presents  about  the  usual  detail  of  self-abasemt-nt, 
prayer,  and  occasional  enjoyment.    He  says,  "January 
29.    This  morning  I  am  almost  sick  in  body.    About 
the  same  state  of  mind  that  I  have  had  for  several  days. 
Yesterday  I  was  so  incessantly  engaged  in  visiting  aud 
in  conversation,  that  I  omitted  secret  prayer,  except  once 
or  twice,  and  then  I  had  only  a  moment.    I  know  this  is 
a  dangerous  way  of  living,  besides  being  a  violation  of 
my  new  year's  determination.    O,  my  God,  help  me  t-; 
delight  in  prayer,  and  to  practice  it  more  faithfully." 

"  February  2.  Last  evening  our  conference  was  very 
solemn.  I  do  hope  God  is  about  to  revive  his  work  yc( 
more  and  more.  This  morning  I  have  to  leave  to  attemi 
a  protracted  meeting  in  Clinton.  0,  may  the  Lord  carry 
on  his  work  here  while  I  am  gone.  I  can  hardly  go  and 
leave  the  work  here,  yet  duty  plainly  calls.  0  Lord,  I 
pray  go  with  me,  and  help  me  to  preach  and  pray,  in  lie 
spirit  and  with  thy  power.  Grant  that  great  good  may 
be  done  ia  Clinton." 

February  12.  Ten  days  have  passed  away  since  ? 
have  taken  this  paper  in  my  hand.  One  week  of  ihv 
time  I  have  been  absent ;  the  other  days  I  have  been  £u 


ALANSON    I,.    0OVt.,L. 


— 1 


115 


constantly  engaged,  that  I  l„vo  l,a,I  no  lime  for  writin, 

.a«  too  K.c„.,ou-orn  down  nn,.  .xh,,u„ed  ,vith  tt 

abo   of  the  past  month,  ,hat  I  have  been  disqualified  for 

or°"o,l     "1  "'  "'""  '""  '"''  '""«  ---n  P^^^- 
to  me.    Others  less  so.    My  health  is  now  better  and  I 

mean  to  be  more  faithful.    The  ,vorl<  has  gone  oTZ^ 
us.    It  ,s  however  less  interesting  now  than  it  has  been 
lfl»<l  great  eon.fort  in   visiting  my  ,.eo,,le.    Some  a,e 
ye  enqu,r,ns.    May  ,he  Lord  bless  and  save.    O  Heav- 
enly Bather,  grant  me  thy  spirii," 

"February  19.  Thismorningmy  ,„i„d  ;,  ,„„.  j ,„ 
iar  indeed  from  having  attained  to  that  stale  of  sanelifi- 
cai.on  wh.eh  I  desire.    I  wish  to  be  really  given  un  and 
Jevoted  ,0  God  my  Savior.    I  long  lo  b.  fmed  to     eh 
with  saving  eflecl  to  my  hearers,  but  I  fear  my  motives 
■  n  this  may  not  be  altogether  right.    I  may  ,vj>u  to  be  a 
successful  preacher  for  the  name  of  it.    To  have  it  said 
often,  ^,at  my  church  is  very  mnd,  prospered,  a",  tla  I 
am  a  very  humble,  active,  efficient  minister.    O  how  un- 
worthy  are  sue     motives.    How  must  Cod  abhor  them, 
hey  are  vmnally  a  desire  that  God  would  give  to  me 
a,e  glory  winch  ,s  due  only  to  his  eternal,  infinite  son.- 
0,  ray  God  I  pray  that  such  a  sin  may  not  he  laid  to  rar 
charge.    I  have  not  deliberately  cherished  such  a  spirii. 
Yet  It  may  have  been  in  my  heart.    O  Lord,  if  ihy  all- 
searching  heart  and  penelraling  eye,  has  seen  this  sin  in 
me,  I  pray  thee  help  mo  to  banish  it  from  my  soul.    O 
Lord  I  confess  to  thee,  that  on  this  point  I  have  great 
reason  to  fear  and  tremble.    I  pray  ihee,  give  me  faith 
and  perseverance  to  overcome  all  my  sins  and  bo  lilted  to 
«rve  thee.    Cut  [  should  enquire  what  moiives  and  feel- 
rags  are  necessary   ihal  this  desire  to  be  a  successful 
preacher,  may  be  accepable  to  Cod.     1st.  I  ought  ,o  pray 
0  be  made  a  .successful  preacher  from  a  sincere  desire  to 
Honor  and  serve  Christ,  and  to  fulfil  his  merciful  desi..ns. 

8  ,    ° 


no 


M  n  M  0 ' n  0  9 


ga.    From  a  well-grounded,  undoubling  conviction  that 
all  whi' ti  »*    ovt»'*'^^  in  the  Bible  concerning  Christ  is 
trM«     3d.     •  '   "^     P""^^'  disinterested,  ardent  desire  to 
savo  »W^  \yn      at  'ell^w-meti.    That  1  may  realize  these 
con6id<tafions  as  1  o Ught,  I  will  try  to  n.ake  each  on.  of 
thtJli  ihe  subject  of  reilection  and  prayer     That  I  may 
tm^  Uad  jnoiives  on  this  subject,  I  will  endeavor  1st, 
To  f^I  as  iiidilTt'rent  as  1  Jin,  toward  anything  which 
maybclliun    ^^  of    '^id,  either  good     r  bad,  about  my 
Bcrmor.s.    2a.   J  will  try   if  possible   .a  compose  and 
preach  ihcm  for  God,  and  not  for  the  people.    I  will 
preach  to  them,  not  for  them.    3d.   I  will  endeavor  not 
10  «pt'ak  of  my  sermons  if  I  can  well  avoid  it.    0  Lord 
help  mc  in  all  these  things  to  be  faithful  to  ray  word.- 

Amen." 

"February  27.  The  two  past  days  have  been  chiefly 
6p-nt  ill  pastoral  calls.  Have  preached  a  lecture  each 
cvcMin-  Had  some  liberty  in  speakmg,  but  yet  have 
not'airaiiied  that  skill,  and  readiness,  and  energy  in 
preach!  n-  for  which  I  am  resolved  to  seek.  I  do  earnest- 
Iv  hope  ilie  Lord  may  yet  anoint  my  soul  more  fully  to 
this  '^reat  work.  This  day  I  shall  devote  chiefly  to  the 
preparation  of  my  sermons  for  the  Sabbath.  O  Lord,! 
pray  thee  to  help  me  to  serve  thee  m  it.    Amen. 

M  irch  l-Sabbath.  This  has  been  a  good  day  to  me, 
and  I  think  to  our  church.  In  the  forenoon,  preached 
the  funeral  sermon  of  a  little  girl,  aged  about  15  years. 
S^e  died  in  peace,  and  I  trust  sleeps  in  Jesus.  At  nooD, 
baniizev  four  persons-pleasant  time  at  the  water.*  In 
the  afternoon  Elder  J.  Peck  preached  on  the  suffermgc  of 

"~^n9  was  not  Iho  first  baptismal  season  during:  that  rcvivi. 
1  Ins  was  rioi  I  »  j  beciiiibe  they  will  summar 

Suvcrul  such  entnes  have  ^«c»  PJ    ,,^     j  his  custom  to  b  - 

ly  be  noticed  '»».l"f  ^^"'-'^  Ha  had  tho  privilege  of  a  line  natural 
tizo  pu  «o>n'n"'""".^"f  •di.^anco  U^^^^  uicetiug-house,  and  had 
?,?,=  a^^ tTpr-^rto  ^epai^  to  it  during  his  residence 
in  tUftt  placb 


ALANSON    L.    COV£LL. 


117 


Chrtst.     A  most  molting  and  heavenly  sermon.    AAer 
.ermon  we  admini.terod  tJ.«  Lord',  supper.     Pleasant 
time.    At  the  clo.e,  en,n.ed  to  rni>e  .1.!  year  ,^100  fo 
domestic  m.ssions.    Plea.aut  conlcrencc  in  the  evening  ' 
Adver.inff  to  a  season  of  heaviness,  he  says,  -Marcli 
5.     ihis.aornmsr,  feel  somewhat  dillcrent.    C    |  seem, 
nouo  have  cast  mc  ofl"  for  my  neglects.    I  am  resolved 
to    egm  al   my  endeavors  anew.    I  do  this  mornin.  fe,i 
willing  and  determined  to  exert  n.yseif  mere  than  rhave 
em  done  for  the  good  of  my  people.    1  niean  hencefo^Ih 
to  look  upon  this  churc!,  and  society  as  the  field  God  lias 
g.ven  me  to  cultivate  for  him.    1  mean  to  try  to  do  al 
for  God  and  not  for  myself,  neither  for  mv  people  as  the 
great  obje.r   but  for  God,  who  I  hope  has  calied  me 
(though  uihrely  unworthy)  into  the  gospel  of  his  dear 
son.    For  him  i  ought  to  live  and  labor.    From  him  are 
all  my  hopes,  and  to  him  I  will  endeavor  to  devote  mv 
(lays  and  my  services.     How  solemn  it  is  to  ask  the  in- 
visible, omniscient  and  heart  searching  Jehovah  thus  to 
guide  and  assist  me !  O  may  I  be  enabled  to  keep  truth 
and  covenant  with  God.    I  was  reading  this  mor.ioff 
that  nothing  should  be  done  '  through  vain  -lory  '    q 
what  a  necessary  caution  to  me.    I  was  reading  too'  thai- 
Christ  '  made  himself  of  no  reputation.'    It  was  no  part 
of  his  design  to  secure  what  we  should  call  a  hMi  repu 
laticn  among  men.    This  with  him  was  never  a  motive 
to  even  a  single  acilon.    Could  I  thus  feel  and  act  how 
much  more  holy  and  acceptable  to  God  would  my  labors 
be.    I  desire  to  imitate  my  Savior  in  this  beauty  of  his 
character.' 

'  March  7.  My  mlad  and  body  have  been  for  the  two 
,  t  days,  iu  a  very  languid  state.  I  have  done  next  to 
nothmg.  Of  course  have  enjoyed  nothing.  This  after- 
aooa  have  attended  our  weekly  caurch  conference.  My 
ioul  did  in  some  small  degree  take  a  n^w  start.    The 


118 


MEMOIR     OF 


Lord  I  hope  has  not  ^vholly  left  me.  To-mght  I  have  to 
nleet  my  Bible  class.  May  the  Lord  make  this  one 
means  of  good  among  us." 

«  March  12.    By  almost  incessant  labor  and  fatigue  I 
have  become  quite  exhausted.    1  feel  a  languor  and  de- 
bility which  I  cannot  throw  off.    I  do  not  wish  to  attach 
too  much  importance  to  this,  or  to  attribute  to  it  any 
decrree  of  religious  indifference  and  languor  which  I 
ou^-ht  not  to.    Yet  I  am  certain  it  has  a  very  unhap- 
py^afluence  upon  my  spiritual  state.    My  former  re- 
ligious habits  have  been  very  inconstant  and  unsettled. 
My  mind  has  never  for  a  very  long  period  of  time,  been 
under  that  degree  of  divine  iniluence  which  1  now  desire 
In  consequence  there   is  in  my  soul  an  acquired  and 
strong  tendency  to  declensions.    Against  this,  O  Lord, 
help  me  to  watch  and  pray." 

"  March  13.    This  morning  my  mind  iias  been  some- 
what  encouraged.    I  do  not  feel  as  ardent  in  prayer  and 
other  duties  as  1  have  done  at  other  times.    l^«t  stUn 
am  resolved  to  endeavor  to  pursue  my  way  and  labor  lor 
more  conformity  to  God."    His   "lights  and  shades^' 
of  feelinn-  continue  for  several  days  much  as  we  have 
already  r'ecorded.    He  says  again,  "  March  19.    Have 
ihis   morning   been  somewhat  refreshed  in  prayer,  in 
readincr  the  scriptures,  and  in  reading  some  in  the  Me- 
moir  ofBoardman.    I  do  desire  and  intend  to  imitate 
his  holy  and  imi)ressive  example.    Especially  his  con- 
stant prayerfulness,   his    unreserved    devotion    to   his 
Snvior'swill,  and  dependence  on  his  grace  ;  his  ardent, 
constant  desires  to  be  useful ;  his  assiduous  endeavors  to 
devise  means  and  ways  of  usefulness;  and  his  tireless 
perseverance  in  carrying  his  designs  into  execution.    0 
Lord  I  pray  thee,  assist  me  to  walk  in  the  steps  of  thy 
dear  'departed  servant.    Be  pleased  to  endow  my  mind 
and  heart  Wiiii  mose  jjuta  aHu  ^^'^^^s   -f. 


AL  ANSON    L.    COVELL. 


119 


SO  eminently  thy  friend  and  willing  servant.  O,  make 
rae  disinterestedly  devoted  to  thyself,  engaged  for  my 
people  as  he  was,  and  as  I  rhould  be.  But  I  know  that 
I  ought  to  take  no  human  character  for  my  model.  I 
know  !  ought  to  make  the  requirements  of  the  Bible  ray 
rule,  and  Christ  my  example.  O  that  I  may  be  enabled 
10  do  this  more  fully  than  ever  I  have  before." 

"  March  21.    I  have  just  finished  reading  the  memoir 
of  Boardman.    I  think   the  perusal  has  been  of  very 
great  seivice  to  me.    Dear  precious,  departed  brother. 
Though  I  never  saw  him,  I  feel  most  ardently  attached 
to  him  from  the  record  of  his  virtues  and  labors  which  I 
thank  God  I  have  now  perused.    How  delightful  it  will 
be  to  meet  such  men  in  heaven.    It  has  occurred  to  me 
very  forcibly,  why  should  not  I  be  as  laborious,  as  intent 
on  devismg  plans  for  the  spiritual  and  everlasting  good 
of  my  people  as  he  was?    Why  should  I  not  survey  the 
whole  range  of  my  church  and  congregation,  make  my- 
self familiar  with  their  present  state  of  mind  and  spirit- 
ual necessities,  and  devise  the  most  wise  and  efficient 
means  for  their  eternal  salvation?    Why  should  I  not 
regard  myself  as  a  missionary  sent  from   God  to  this 
people?    Why  should  I  not  be  as  constant  in  prayer  for 
them,  as  intent  on  studying  means  for  their  good,  and  as 
vigilant  in  all  my  labors  in  their  behalf,  as  I  should  if 
this  was  really  a  heathen  town  and  city,  and  I  had  been 
sent  among  them  as  a  missionary,  to  live  and  labor  and 
die  for  their  salvation?    All  this  is  certainly  necessary. 
It  is  all  fairly  and  fully  embraced  in  my  obligations  as  a 
preacher  and  a  pastor  to  this  people.    I  cannot  feel  justi- 
fied in  aiming  at,  or  attempting  anything  less  than  this. 
But  0  how  far  docs  such  a  design  exceed  all  my  former 
views.    May  the   Lord   help  me  seriously  to  consider 
this  matter,  and  to  pray  much  in  reference  to  it. 
.  have  been  somewhat  impressed  by  the  thou^'ht,  that 


120 


M  E  lil  0  1  R  OF 


such  a  course  of  faithful  labor  performed  really  for  God, 
will  q'jalify  me  lo  enjoy  the  society  of  Boardman,  &  Brain- 
erd,  &lMill=^,an(l  Judion  in  heaven.    If  I  now  possess  the 
same  spirit,  if  I  do  what  God  requires  of  me  fiom  the  same 
motives,  if  I  act  for  the  same  great  end,  and  seek  God 
from  the  same  sanctifyin:,'  inQuence  on  my  soul,  I  shall 
become  qualified  to  be  their  associates  in  heavenly  joys 
and  services  forever.    Blessed  hope.    But  how  much 
more  should  I  be  animated  by  the  desire  to  imbibe  the 
spirit  and  imitate  the  holy  faithfulness  of  my  Savior,  and 
his  sanctified  Apostles.    This  will  prepare  me  to  enjoy 
heaven  with  them.    O  may  I  keep  this  ever  in  view,  and 
make  Christ  my  example  in  all  things.    Evening.    Have 
had  a  very  encouraging   meeting  this  afternoon  in  out 
church.    I  was  rejoiced  to  find  that  several  of  oui  mem- 
bers have  been  deeply  exercised  of  late,  and  are  praying 
with  considerable  assurance,  that  the  holy  spirit  may 
not  be  withdrawn  from  us,  and  that  other  sinners  may 
yet  be  converted.    O  may  their  prayers  be  heard  ia 
heaven,  and  soon  answered  among  us." 

«  March  22.    Sabbath.    I  feel  this  morning  not  all  that 
peace  and  joy  which  I  think  I  did  one  or  two  days  ago; 
but  I  feel  something  of  the  same  consciousness  of  ac- 
ceptance with  God  through  my  ever  blessed  and  most 
merciful  Redeemer.    This  is  an  uncommonly   tedious 
and  stormy  morning.    I  hardly  expect  to  see  any  person 
at  meeting.    Yet  I  hope  and  pray  that  the  Lord  may  be 
there  and^make  it  a  pleasant  day.    Evening.    Had  not  a 
very  pleasant  time  at   meeting  to-day.     Had  scarcely 
any  thing  I  could  call  a^'cess  lo  God  in  prayer,    I  was 
somewha't  low  in  health,  and  very  hoarse  j  but  there  are 
other  reasons  which  I  may  and  ought  lo  assign  for  it. 
The  weather  was  so  very  inclement  in  the  morning,  that 
I  expected  few  if  any  would  go  out  to  meeting.    I  felt 
quite  relieved  by  the  circumslancej  thiaking  I  should  not 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


121 


have  to  preach.  I  was  not  very  veil  pn-parcd,  haviqg 
bestowed  but  little  time  and  study  on  my  tcrnions.-- 
When,  therefore,  I  came  to  the  house  and  found  a  jjoodly 
number  assembled,  I  was  disappointed,  ap.d  havitvg  suf- 
fered my  mind  to  get  oiT  from  the  idea  of  preachFng,  I 
found  myself  quite  unprepared  for  it.  I  felt  g<)me  guilty 
for  my  desire  to  omit  preaching,  before  meeting,  but 
more  so  after, vardsj  this  probably  was  one  reason'why 
I  was  no  more  interested  myself,  or  interesting  to  otherg. 
Another  reason  was  this.  I  had  not  prayed  for  that 
special  help  from  God,  as  I  have  done  in  other  Sabbathff 
when  I  have  enjoyed  more  of  the  presence  of  God  in 
preaching.  O  may  the  Lord  forgive  me  for  these  sins, 
and  assist  me  never  to  repeat  them.  I  was  wrong,  very 
wrong  to  feel  as  I  did  in  desiring  to  be  excused  from 
preaching.  It  was  wrong  because  Isf,  it  seems  to  be  in 
direct  imnsgression  of  the  command  which  binds  me  to 
be  "  instant  in  season,  and  out  of  season."  Had  I  acted 
up  to  the  spirit  of  this  command,  I  should  have  been  as 
ready  and  as  glad  to  have  preached  to  half  a  dozen  people 
to-day,  as  to  preach  at  any  other  time.  2d,  It  was  a 
feeling  directly  the  reverse  of  what  a  preacher  or  a  pas- 
tor ought  to  cherish.  A  preacher  ought  to  be  so  much 
engaged  in  his  work  that  he  would  long  for  opportuni- 
ties to  preach  and  not  even  wish  to  avoid  one.  A  pastor 
ought  so  to  love  his  flock  and  so  intently  to  seek  their 
good,  that  he  will  rejoice  in  every  occasion  he  may  en- 
joy of  doing  even  a  little,  to  promote  their  spiritual  in- 
terests. 3d,  To  feel  as  I  did  was  very  wrong,  because 
I  am  convinced,  on  reflection,  that  my  reluctance  to 
preach  arose  more  from  a  fear  that  I  should  not  appear 
well  before  the  people  with  my  hoarse  and  weak  voice, 
and  undigested  sermons,  than  from  any  thouglit  that 
God  would  be  more  honored  by  having  no  meeting,  than 
he  would  by  the  devotions  of  a  few.    I  ought  to  have 


■imi"''M 


122 


MEMOIR    OP 


been  ready  and  glad  to  think  and  pray  and  write,  that  I 
might  enkindle  a  warmer  flame  of  love  in  the  hearts  of 
only  two  or  three  persons  who  love  our  blessed  Lord  and 
Savior.    Christ  has  promised,  though  he  is  exalted  to 
heaven,  and  surrounded   by  myriads  of  holy  men  and 
angels,  to  come  into  the  place  whpre  only  "  two  or  three" 
assemble  in  his  name.    How  willing  ought  I  to  be  then, 
to  labor  and  pray  with  all  my  heart,  for  the  spiritual  bene- 
fit of  only  two  or  three  of  my  flock.    O  how  the  kindness 
and  care  of  the  Great  Shepherd  puts  roe  to  the  blush. 
4th,  But  this  was  wrong,  because  the  feeling  was  so 
evidently  opposed  to  the  providence  of  God.    While  I 
was  making  up  my  mind  that  only   five  or  six   would 
attend,  God  was  collecting  nearly  a  hundred.     While  I 
was  unfitting  my  mind  for  preaching,  God  was  collecting 
people  to  hear  me,  and  the  very  best  kind  of  hearers, 
persons  who  were  willing  to  drive  through  the  storm  and 
mud  three  or  four  miles  to  hear  the  word.    He  was  col- 
lecting his  own  dear  people  whom  he  bought  with  his 
own  blood,  and  whose  comfort  here,  and  fitness  for  heaven 
he  was  desirous  to  promote  by  this  very  Sabbath  meeting. 
I  was  therefore  disqualifying  myself  for  the  very  work 
he  was  preparing  to  my   hand.     This  was  nothing  less 
than  acting  against  God.    5th,    How  sinful  the  feeling 
for  one  who  is  in  Christ's  stead  watching  for  souls,  to  be 
glad  of  a  storm  so  that  those  precious  souls  cannot  come 
up  to  the  housoof  God  to  hear  the  word  of  their  salva- 
tion.    How  must  the  God  of  salvation  regard  such  a 
feeling  in  a  minister !     But  I  desire  to  confess  these  sins 
to  thee,  O  Lord,  and  never  to  repeat  them.    I  desire  to 
seek  for  far  moie  eminent  qualifications  for  my  office.    I 
intend    hereafter    to    take  special  pains  to  preach  the 
precious  word  on  stormy  Sabbaths,  for  the  few  who  attend 
at  such  times  certainly  deserve  the  special  prayers  and 
laborsof  their  preacher  &  pastor.  May  I  never  forget  this. 


f  \ 


ALANSON    L.    CO  VELL. 


123 


This  evening  I  have  felt  a  little  restoration  of  spirit  to 
my  Savior's  love.  The  events  of  this  day  have  tau«h: 
me  that  my  piety  is  yet  very  low.  May  the  Lord  help 
me  to  improve.    Amen." 

''March  23.    That  which  more  than  any  thin-  else 
has  brought  my  heart  to  a  confidence  in  "  the  record  God 
bath  given  of  his  son,"  is  the  clear  discovery  I  havelhad 
of  the  need  of  a  mediator  (in  my  own  case  at  least)  to 
reconcile  the  heart  to  God.    I  have  no  evidence  that 
the  Almighty  Sovereign  of  the  Universe  will  hold  the 
least  intercourse  with  me,  or  any  other  sinner  on  the 
subject  of  pardon  and  salvation.    If  he  should  conde- 
scend to  do  this,  how  could  I  appear  before  him?  with 
my  present  ignorance  and  guiltiness  and  proneness  tp 
sin,  I  could  not  appear  in  iiis  presence  and  plead  my  cause 
before  him.    Therefore  I  see  and  feel  that  I  need  a  me- 
diator to  undertake  for  me,  and  bring  about  reconciliation 
between  my  soul  and  my  God." 

My  dear  sister :  WhUesboro\  March  22, 1835. 

God  has  been  pleased  once  more  to  favor  our  church 
with  what  wo  usually  call  a  "revival."    I  should  think 
that  nearly  40  persons  have  professed  to  have  found  hope 
ia  the  Savior,  during  the  winter.    I  have  had  the  pleas- 
ure of  baptizing  27,  and  four  or  five  others  expect  to  fol- 
low them  in  the  same  blessed  way  next  Sabbath.    We 
held  a  protracted  meeting  in  January,  which  was  the 
means  most  blessed  of  God  for  the  conversion  of  sinners, 
though  the  work  had  commenced  before  the  meeting 
opened,  and  has  continued  since  its  close.    Good  Mr. 
P.P.  Brown  was  with  us  through  the  meeting.    He  was 
perhaps  never  more  "filled  wiih  the  spirit,"  or  "enrich- 
ed in  all  knowledge  and  utterance,"  than  in  that  meeting. 
The  Sabbath  after  the  meeting  opened,  he  seemed  really 
like  the  "  Angel  of  the  Apocalypse,  standing  in  the  sun." 
"  In  thoughts  that  breathed,  s^M  words  that  burned,"  he 


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'^^'--  ''^fi 


121 


MEMOIR  OP 


proclaimed  the  everlasting  gospel,  as  it  seemed,  with  the 
Holy  Ghost  sent  down  from  heaven.    During  that  day 
and  evening,  the  anxious  seats  kept  constantly  filling  up 
with  weeping  sinners  and  penitent  backsliders.    Some 
were  made  to  rejoice  in  the  God  of  their  salvation,  and 
with  streaming  eyes  besought  their  friends  to  '  turn 
unto  the  Lord."    Many  confessions  of  sins  were  made 
by  old  professors,  and  by  men   awakened   to  see  how 
they  had  treated  the  High  and  Lofty  One.    I  expect  to 
see  but  few  such  Sabljaths.    This  perhaps  is  unbelief. 
But  I  do  rejoice  and  thank  God  for  what  he  has  done. 
O  praise  the   Lordwith  me,  and  let  us  exalt  his  name 
tc'ether."    This  season  of  refreshing  nas  been   a  very 
g.reat  blessing  to  myself.    During  the  summer,  while  you 
were   here,  and  after,  1  was  as  desponding  almost  as 
Jonah,  and  had  no  liberty,  and  thought  I  did  no  good  in 
preaching,  either  at  home  or  abroad.    I  had  sometimes 
almost  determined  to  ask  a  dismission  and  seek  another 
field  of  labor.    But  I  feel  now  entirely  contented  and 
willing  to  continue  and  toil  here  as  long  as  it  may  seem 
promotive  of  the  Divine  glory   or  the  salvation  of  my 
fellow  creatures. 

I  was  very  much  rejoiced  in  the  visit  we  received  from 
Elder  Matteson,  on  his  return  from  his  western  tour. 
He  preached  for  me  all  day,  and  preached  with  a  most 
searching  effect  upon  the  minds  of  christians.  Please 
present  my  kind  regards  to  him  when  you  see  him. 

I  have  not  much  time  to  write  this  morning  ;  so  I  will 
not  quite  fill  up  the  sheet.  Shall  I  not  hear  from  you 
soon  ?  Give  my  love  to  ail  the  members  of  your  family, 
and  accept  the  assurance  of  continued  affection  from 

Your  brother, 

A.  L.  COVELL. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown. 

"March  31.     I  have- found  some  satisfaction   this 


ALANGON    L.    COVELL. 


125 


morning  ia  readiris:  in  the  book  of  Daniel.  I  have  com- 
menced retainer  thi^  portion  of  scripture  through.  O, 
that  I  may  discover  and  copy  the  excellencies  "'of  this 
great  Proj)het.  His  unconunon  prayerfulnes?,  simple 
and  entire  d;  p.-ndence  on  God,  deserve  my  imitation. 
His  decisioa  and  e!U'rQ:y  in  the  execution  of  this  duty; 
his  fearlessness  before  kings  and  mighty  men;  his  firm, 
full  and  faithful  declaration  of  the  word  of  God  to  them' 
show  me  how  I  ought  to  preach  and  converse.  May  I 
be  enabled  in  some  degree  to  imitate  this  holy  man." 

Increased   enjoyments    and    continued    desires  for 
greater  attainments  mark  several  succeeding  pages. 

"April  6.  Yesterday  1  felt  greatly  unprepared  for  the 
duties  of  the  day.  My  unpreparedness  I  am  sure  was 
the  result  in  a  great  measure  of  a  low  and  languid  state 
of  mind  during  the  week.  I  had  however  made  the  de- 
termination to  go  forward  in  my  duty  and  make  the  best 
improvement  of  the  day  in  my  power.  Just  as  I  was 
going  to  open  the  meeting  in  the  morning,  father  Read, 
an  esteemed  friend  and  minister,  came  in  and  preached 
for  me  both  parts  of  the  day.  I  felt  so  relieved  that  I 
could  hardly  express  my  gratitude  for  the  providence.— 
But  it  occurred  to  me  afterwards,  that  my  supposed 
gratitude  for  the  favor  God  had  been  pleased  to  bestow 
upon  me,  was  more  the  fruit  of  selfish  gladness  than  of 
real  love.  May  the  spirit  of  all  grace  sanctify  my  soul 
and  invigorate  all  my  powers  to  love  and  serve  God  as  I 
ought.  May  I  have  wisdom  to  profit  by  the  events  of 
every  week,  and  of  every  Sabbath,  and  correct  the  errors 
of  my  heart  and  life  as  God  reveals  them  to  me." 

Whitesboro\  May  2,  1835. 

My  dear  sister:— Your  last  letter  was  received  three 

days  since.     I  was  prepared  for  the  news  it  brought  me, 

by  a  line  from  Elder  Matteson,  received  two  or  three 

weeks  before  yours.    It  gives  me  very  great  joy  to  ieara 


186 


MEMOIR    OP 


that  God  has  in  great  mercy  appeared  again  to  your  view, 
as  your  Divinely  glorious  friend  and  Savior.  How  great 
his  love  towards  us.  How  kind  to  seek  after  us— to 
watch  over  us  in  all  our  ways,  and  select  the  hour  of  our 
extrenaity,  to  show  delivering  grace,  and  magnify  his 
perfections  in  our  view.  Verily,  God  i3  faithful  by 
whom  wc  are  called  into  the  fellowship  of  his  son.— 
Having  commenced  a  good  work  in  us,  he  leaves  it  not, 
till  it  is  carried  forward  to  perfection.  "O  that  men 
would  praise  the  Lord  for  his  goodness,  and  for  his  won- 
derful works  to  the  children  of  men."  Be  assured,  my 
gratitude  to  God  for  what  he  has  done  for  you,  shall  be 
mingled  with  yours,  and  my  earnest  prayer  shall  be 
offered  up  to  the  Great  Shepherd  and  Bishop  of  souls,  that 
his  effectual  kindness  and  care  may  be  the  safety  and 

solace  of  your  future  days.  ' 

******* 

We  still  have  the  hand  of  God  upon  us  in  repeated 
sicknesses.    Mrs.  Covell  has  not  been  out  all  vvinier.- 
Most  of  the  time  she  has  been  confined  to  her  room. 
***** 

The  state  of  religious  feeling  among  us  is  not  so  en- 
<:ouragins  as  when  I  wrote  you  last,  though  there  have 
been  a  few  conversions  since,  and  a  good  degree  oi  union 
and  prayerfulness  still  continues  among  our  members. 

Please  remember  me  affectionately  to  Elder  Matteson, 
when  you  see  him.  His  visit  here  I  shall  not  soon  for- 
get. More  searching  discourses  have  not  been  preached 
to  our  people  at  any  time  since  the  revival  commenced 
than  his  were. 

Give  my  love  to  all  your  family,  and  to  all  friends 
who  ask  after  me.    Let  me  hear  again  soon. 

Your  affectionate  brother,  A.  L.  Covell. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown. 

The  journal  coniinned  makes  mention  of  these  re- 
innf%toA  cictnpccpe  in  hies  familv.  sTcat  variaiious  of  feel- 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


127 


ing,  but  uniformity  of  desire  to  be  in  all  tilings  conformed 
10  the  will  of  «od.    We  pass  to 

"May  22.  My  dear  companion  has  recently  gone  to 
her  father's  to  spend  two  or  three  months.  I  shall  be 
alone  most  of  my  time.  O  my  God,  n.ay  I  be  assisted 
to  spend  this  time  as  I  ought.  Have  just  received  a  let- 
ter  from  brother  Dean,  w!io  left  us  a  year  since  on  a 
mission  to  Burmah.  God  grant  that  he  may  be  useful 
and  bring  many  heathen  to  Christ.  O  my  God,  assist 
me  in  preparations  foi  the  Sabbath,  and  in  it/  duties 
when  it  ardves." 

May  2i.  On  account  of  ill  health,  I  have  not  been 
out  10  meeting.  This  has  been  a  great  disappointment 
to  our  people.  IMost  of  them  went  to  other  meetin-s  or 
returned  home.  The  rest  held  a  prayer  meeting.  llhas 
been  a  miserable  day  to  me.  Feeble  and  trembling  in 
body,  and  languid  in  mind.  My  thoughts  have  been 
wandering,  and  1  liave  been  next  to  prayerless.  O,  may 
the  Lord  pardon  rae." 

"May  25.  To-day  have  been  very  weak,  and  have 
accomplished  but  liiile.  Have  had,  I  trust,  some  small 
de;::ree  of  religious  peace.  Feel  resolved  with  the  help 
of  God  to  be  more  devoted." 

June  2.  For  the  last  seven  days  I  have  been  in  very 
low  health.  Have  had  excessive  pain  in  my  head,  but 
the  Lord  has  enabled  mo  to  pray  more  frequently,  and  I 
hope  with  moru  fervor  than  I  have  done  for  some  time, 
I  trust  he  has  not  left  me  entirely  destitute  of  his  spirit. 
Though  infinitely  unworthy,  yet  he  has  enabled  me  to 
enjoy  a  little  of  the  comfort  of  Jiis  grace;  for  this  I  de- 
sire to  praise  his  holy  name.  The  crumbs  that  fall  from 
the  table  of  his  love  are  much  too  good  for  such  a  wretch 
as  I.  I  am  sensible  that  I  am  yel  a  chiistian  only  in  the 
lowest  degree.  My  views  of  God,  of  Christ,  and  expect-  . 
ntions  of  the  heavenly  world,  are  very  far  from  being 


128 


MEMOIR     OP 


audi  living,  deep  realities  to  me  as  I  desire  they  may  be. 
I  think  I  can  say  from  the  heart  that  I  do  not  aspire  aficr 
anything  in  this  world.  If  I  had  performed  all  my  Sav- 
ior's will  concerning  me,  and  was  leady  to  depart  and  bo 
with  Christ,  how  gladly  would'l  go.  But  1  am  con- 
strained to  admit,  that  this  results  more  from  dissatisfac- 
tion with  this  world,  than  from  prcparaiiou  for  the  next. 
More  from  weariness  of  myself  than  from  love  to  God. 
O,  how  deceitful  my  heart  still  is.  May  the  Lord  help 
me  to  detect  it.  I  feel  a  strong  desire  to  hecoine  a  belter 
preacher.  To  preach  more  for  God  and  the  immediate 
good  of  men  than  I  have  done.  Last  week  I  a  as  as  I 
thought  somewhat  assisted  in  writing  two  ser.iions.— 
Brother  Tluss  from  Canada  was  here  on  tlic  Sabbath,  so 
that  I  did  not  preach  at  all.  God  has  been  very  kind  to 
me  during  my  sickness.  O,  may  1  not  forget  his  bene- 
fits." 

"June  3.  This  has  been  to  mc  a  less  favorable  cay 
than  yesterday.  My  mind  has  been  very  low  and  feeble. 
I  have  not  been  able  to  write  much  in  my  sermon.  I 
have  tried  to  pray,  but  have  derived  but  very  little  bene- 
fit. 0,  %vhat  a  sluggish  heart  I  have.  When  shall  I  be 
quickened  to  serve  God  as  I  ought?  O  Lord,  I  do  n\r,t 
humbly  pray  thee,  enable  me  to  possess  greater  energy 
and  to  exercise  it  purely  for  thy  glory." 

"June  4.  To-day  have  enjoyed  as  I  trust  a  little  of 
that  peace  of  conscience  which  true  religion  affords.- 
Have  visited  a  beloved  brother  in  the  ministry.  A  pleas- 
ant interview.  Have  attended  meeting  this  evening.- 
Preachcd  with  some  little  liberty,  and  1  hope  with  some 
good  effect.  But  to  my  shame  and  sorrow  I  record  it, 
that  in  prayer  I  was  not  as  I  ought  to  have  been.  la 
praying  for  delinquent  professors,  made  use  of  language 
which  reilected  loo  severely  upon  them,  and  which  could 
not  have  indicated  a  right  spirit  on  my  own  part.  0  my 
God,  I  make  the  record  of  this  confession  to  ray  own 


ALANSON    L.    C  0  V  E  L  L. 


129 


shame,  and  wiili  prayer  for  thy  forgiveness.  O,  may  T~ 
a  smoer  so  vile,  so  often  ofTmy  guard,  so  seldom  right- 
may  I  find  srace  in  thy  sight.  O  God.  I  pray  thee  ojve 
me  a  broken  and  a  penitent  heart  for  this,  and  for  ail  mv 
sms.— Amen."  ' 

6th.    To-day  and  yesterday  have  enjoyed  I  think  a 
degree  of  my  Savior's  presence.    I  have  not  yet  attained 
thai  nearness  to  God  which  I  desire,  but  I  see  daily 
more  of  my  defects,  and  by  prayer  find  my  soul  benefitted 
and  improved." 

"June  7-Sabbath.  This  has  been  a  better  Sabbath 
to  me  than  I  have  enjoyed  before  in  a  long  time.  I  had 
prayed  more  through  the  week  for  divine  assistance  in 
preaching,  and  I  hope  I  have  in  some  measure  enjoyed 
it.  Preached  in  the  morning  oa  the  right  use  of  the 
f  orld.  In  the  afternoon  on  the  "enmity  of  the  world 
c-ainst  God."  O  Lord,  I  do  humbly  pray  thee  to  bless 
t'le  day  to  the  good  of  some.  Tiiis  cvenin-  preached  at 
Ouskany,  on  the  exaltation  of  Christ.  Had' the  attentioa 
of  the  people,  though  I  had  less  energy  of  feeling,  than 
of  freedom  of  thought  and  expression. 

And  now,  O  thou  searcher  of  hearts,  as  this  day  is 
past,  and  I  am  about  to  retire  for  rest,  I  do  most  humbly 
ask  thy  pardon  for  all  the  sins  which  may  have  been  ii 
my  heart  this  day.  Make  me  constantly  humble  and 
holy,  and  help  me  I  pray  thee  to  do  thy  will." 

"June  14.  This  afternoon  we  have  had  a  good  con- 
ference. Several  of  the  members  were  quite  engaged. 
In  a  part  of  the  meeting  I  felt  almost  carried  back  to  our 
revival  a  few  months  since.  God  be  praised  for  such  a 
meeting.  O  Lord,  I  praise  and  thank  thy  name  that 
thou  hast  done  this  for  my  brethren  and  sisters." 

'  June  18.  This  week  have  been  more  occupied  with 
things  abroad,  than  in  any  week  before  in  a  long  time. 
Tuesday,  attended  the  anniversary  of  our  Foreign  Mis- 
sionary Society,  at  Augusta.    Preached  from  Prov.  iii, 


iF'i.Tft'. 


« 1 


k 

wMmm 

K'  w' 

.g 

i^^^k 

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i 

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^m 

) 

US'- 

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\-  M 

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Isl  .'•■  -.  ■  ■     -    & 

Ui'  -M 


130 


MEMOIR     OP 


9. 10.  Had  but  a  small  assembly,  lliough  a  very  com- 
fortable  time  in  preaching.  Our  meeting  was  consider- 
ably ioteresting,  and  I  iiupe  has  been  the  means  of  some 
good.  Yesterday  went  to  Oriskany.  Attended  a  concert 
of  sacred  music  in  the  Episcopalian  Church,  and  deliv- 
ered an  address.  Not  a  very  interesting  season.  To-day 
have  visited  some,  and  this  evening  have  been  out  to 
New  Hartford  to  preach  a  lecture.  Had  a  little  liberty 
in  preaching.  To-night  I  do  not  feel  that  sense  of  the 
presence  and  goodness  of  God  that  I  wish  I  did.  O,  may 
the  Lord  graciously  assist  mo  to  grow  in  grace  daily." 

"June  25.  Have  commenced  reading  the  memoir  of 
Harlan  Page.  Have  been  deeply  interested  in  it.  How 
much  more  holy  and  active  was  he  than  I  have  ever  been. 
I  desire  to  imitate  his  bright  example.  Have  full  of 
late  the  necessity  of  being  more  active  among  both 
saints  and  sinners.    O,  when  shall  1  become  what  I 

desire  to  be?" 

"26.  Have  found  to-day  sensible  benefit  in  prayor.- 
In  the  morning  fojnd  my  mind  led  to  a  passage  on  which 
I  mean  to  prepare  two  sermons.  During  tlie  forenoon 
wao  assisted  in  writing  one  of  them.  Tliis  afternoon 
have  visited  three  families,  all  profes-jors  of  religion 
whom  I  saw.  Since  returning  have  found  some  comfon 
in  secret  prayer.  How  infinitely  gracious  and  mysteri- 
ously coadcsccndiag  is  God  to  hear  such  a  sinner's  pe- 
titions. 

"29.  Monday  morning.  Resolved  on  rising  this  morn- 
ing, to  devote  this  day  mainly  to  self-examination,  con- 
fession and  prayer  before  God.  I  have  read  over  ray 
journal.  I  find  that  my  religious  character  has  been  very 
defective.  I  feci  humbled  by  the  review.  I  have  tried 
to  recollect  my  past  life,  and  I  see  all  along  how  perverse 
my  heart  has  been.  In  childhood  and  youth  before  1 
was  enlightened  from  above,  I  was  a-  very  great  and 
guilty  sinner.    I  cannot  but  wonder  at  the  mercy  that 


ALANSON    L.    COTELL. 


231 


induced  my  gracious  God  and  Savior  to  seek  after  me  by 
his  holy  spirit,  and  call  me  to  know  his  Will  and  receive 
his  salvation." 

Some  pages  which  immediately  follow  have  been 
transcribed  in  the  former  part  of  the  Memoir.  He  next 
says: 

"In  about  six  months  after  my  V  jptism,  I  commenced 
preaching;  and  in  three  years  was  ordained  pastor  of  the 
church  where  I  first  began.    I  was  married  near  the  same 
time,  and  in  less  than  a  year  removed  to  another  place. 
I  do  not  know  that  by  this  part  of  my  ministry  more  thaa* 
a  very  few  souls  were  brought  to  Christ.     There  was  a 
revival  in  the  church  during  the  time,  and  thirty  or  forty 
were  hopefully  converted ;  but  the  revival  commenced 
while  I  was  absent,  and  I  was  constrained  to  ascribe  its 
progress  to  other  means  than  my  labors.    In  reviewing 
this  part  of  my  life,  I  find  again  very  great  reason  for 
repentance.    It  is  four  years  last  November  since  I  came 
to  Madison,  where  I  continued  three  months,  and  then 
came  to  this  place.    For  about  one  year  I  felt  thai  I  was 
almost  useless  in  the  ministry.    Notiung  seemed  to  pros- 
per except  that  the  church  wery  united,  and  the  congre- 
gation somewhat  enlarged.    In  the  winter  (1831)^6 
held  a  protracted  meeting.    I  had  felt,  .for  some  time 
before,  the  need  of  being  revived,  and  saw  it  to  be  irr^pe- 
riously  needed  in  the  church  and  among  the  unconverted. 
In  the  meeting  I  was  brought  to  see  and  deeply  (eel  my 
need  of  being  pardoned  anew.    1  resolved  by  the  assist- 
ance of  God  to  begin  my  life  anew.    I  found  relief  in 
prayer.    I  enjoyed  that  sweet  serenity  and  pea-e  of  mind 
which  I  think  nothing  but  a  sense  of  God's  pardoning 
love  can  bestow.    We  enjoyed  a  precious  season.    Pif. 
ty-nine  were  added  to  us  that  year  by  baptism,  and  forty- 
four  by  letter.    I  think  I  have  never  entirely  lost  the< 
influence  of  that  revival  in  my  own  heart.    I  think  I  caa 

9 


>4 


132 


MEMOIR     OF 


say  I  have  had  a  more  enlarged  view  of  my  obligations 
and  responsibilities  as  a  minister,  and  have  been  more 
ready  to  meet  them.  But  this  is  saying,  alas,  but  very 
little. 

A  year  from  that  time  there  was  again  some  interest  in 
the  congregation,  though  only  a  few  conversions.    Bui 
the  year  following,  God  was  pleased  to  appear  for  us  in 
still  greater  power  and  love.    The  church  was  universal- 
ly roused  up.    Forty-six  persons  were  baptized,  some 
backsliders  reclaimed,  and  a  goodly  number  joined  by  let- 
ter, making  seventy  or  eighty  in  all.    In  that  revival  I  was 
brought  to  engage  with  more  earnestness  in  my  ministry, 
and  'with  more  decided  aims  to  glorify  God  than  ever  1 
had  done  before.    But  during  the  summer  I  very  much 
declined  in  zeal  and  activity.    During  the  fall  I  endeav- 
ored to  reflect  and  pray  more  than  I  had  done,  but  still  1 
felt  that  my  «?oul  was  very  barren  of  the  fruits  of  holi- 
ness, and  that  my  ministry  was  unblessed.    This  led  me 
to  determine  on  far  more  active  and  persevering  means 
for  my  spiritual  improvement.    At  this  time,  December 
1st,  I  commenced  keeping  this  record  of  my  life.    I  did 
it  with  a  sincere  desiro  that  God  would  make  it  the 
means  of  great  good  to  me.    I  determined  that  I  would 
make  an  earnest  and  continued  effort  to  become  really 
holy  and  devoted  to  God.    From  the  perusal  of  my 
Journal,  I  see  that  I  have  often  wavered  in  my  resolution 
and  faltered  in  my  course.    I  have  committed  many  er- 
rors, have  failed  greatly  in  my  duties,  and  of  keeping 
the  vows  I  have  made.    But  God  has  been  pleased  in 
infinite  mercy,  not  wholly  to  withdraw  his  spirit  from  me. 
He  has  given  me,  I  trust,  some  access  to  himself  in 
prayer,  and  some  seasons  of  sacred  enjoyment. 

In  March  last,  I  trust  God  was  pleased  to  manifest  to 
my  soul,  a  sweet  sense  of  his  pardoning  mercy.  I  did 
j-:Q^gg  in  him  as  my  Savior.    1  felt  that  my  trust  was  in 


j,>^ 


ALANSON    Is.    CO  V  ELL. 


133 


)ligations 

een  more 

but  very 

interest  in 
ons.    But 
for  us  in 
universal- 
:ed,  some 
aed  by  let- 
ival  I  was 
f  ministry, 
han  ever  I 
irery  much 
1 1  endeav- 
,  but  still  I 
its  of  holi- 
i'his  led  me 
ring  means 
,  December 
life.    I  did 
lake  it  the 
lat  I  would 
;ome  really 
usal  of  my 
f  resolutioQ 
d  many  er- 
I  of  keeping 
1  pleased  in 
irit  from  me. 
>  himself  in 
at. 

» manifest  to 
ercy.    I  did 


him,  and  that  in  amazing  condescension  and  love  he 
owned  me  as  his  child.    That  joyful  consciousness  of 
pardon  continued  with  me  for  some  time.    But  in  a 
measure  I  lost  it  again.    For  a  considerable  time  past  I 
have  enjoyed  seasons  of  prayer,  and  have  been  enabled 
to  be  far  more  constant  and  earnest  in  all  my  endeavors 
than  before,  yet  I  have  not  that  assurance  of  acceptance 
with  God  which  for  a  time  I  enjoyed  a  few  months  since. 
That  this  joy  of  salvation  may  be  restored  to  me,  I  have 
set  apart  this,  as  a  day  of  self-examination  and  prayer, 
and  I  do  feel  to  bless  God  that  he  has  enabled  me  so  to 
do.    While  endeavoring  to  confess  my  sins  to  him,  and 
beg  his  forgiveness,  I  have  felt  some  tenderness  and  pen- 
itence of  heart  before  him.    He  has  as  I  trust  once  more 
appeared  for  me  and  has  made  me  in  some  degree  to 
rejoice  in  his  pardoning  mercy.    I  here  raise  my  Eben- 
ezer,  and  with  gratitude  say,  «  Hitherto  the  Lord  hath 
helped  liie."    To  the  praise  of  the  glory  of  his  grace 
wherein  I  trust  he  has  made  me  accepted  in  the  Beloved, 
I  here  record  myself  the  chief  of  sinners,  saved  by  the 
infinite  power  and  grace  of  my  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus 
Christ." 

This  interesting  and  protracted  exercise  is  continued 
something  more  than  two  pages  farther;  but  we  pass  to 

"July  1st.  This  morning,  enjoyed  a  sweet  season  in 
prayer.  Felt  that  God  was  near  and  very  gracious. 
Was  enabled  to  rejoice  in  him  as  my  Savior.  O,  may 
I  not  be  deceived.  Christ  has  appeared  to  me  this 
morning  as  great  and  glorious  in  his  character.  I  have 
been  led  by  this  view  of  him  to  adore  him  aslmmanuel— 
God  with  us.  May  he  appear  yet  far  more  glorious  and 
lovely  to  my  soul.  I  have  long  been  troubled  with  'doubts 
concerning  Christ.  T  have  desired  far  greater  evidence 
that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  did  live  and  die  on  the  earth  as  the 


trust  was  m    ■    gibje  deplares— that  hp  ia  thp  9inp  f^rn^A  a«d 

9* 


134 


MEMOIR  OP 


heaven  an  intercessor  for  all  those  who  believe  in  him, 
I  have  wanted  evidence  of  this.,  as  clear  and  as  forcible  to 
my  mind  as  I  have  of  the  existence  of  God*    But  I 
have  been  led  to  see,  that  my  doubts  arose  from  a  bad 
state  of  heart,  rather  than  from  any  want  of  fevidence  that 
the  Lord  Jesus  is  the  Savior  of  the  world.    I  have  found 
that  prayer  does  more  good  than   speculation.!    As  I 
endeavor  to  draw  near  to  G.od  in  the  character  of  a  poor, 
lost  sinner,    I  feel  the  need  of  a  Savior,  and  sometimes 
reioice  that  there  is  an  intercessor  with  the  Father  to 
whom  I  can  commit  my  cause,  and  from  whom  1  hope  for 
eternal  life.    I  do  in  my  soul  bless  God  that  m  Christ 
there  is  hope  for  the  chief  of  sinners.    By  his  grace  I  am 
resolved  to  seek  him  with  my  whole  heart,  and  be  en- 
abled to  devote  my  life  without  any  reserve  to  his  ser- 

vice." 

«  July  4  To-day  have  enjoyed  some  access  to  God 
in  prayer. '  Have  finished  reading  of  the  memoir  of  Har- 
lan Pa^e  Think  it  has  been  much  blessed  to  me.  Have 
to-day  attended  and  prayed  at  the  celebration  of  our  Na- 

*««IPt  not  your  heart  he'troubled,  ye  believe   in  God,  believe 

1      •     L  "    Vn  those  who  reflect  and  reason  no  rational  benigs, 

also  in  me.    ^/^^^^^.f^^j^.^/e  «  believe  in  God  the  Redeemer,  as 

in  God  the'crea torV    A     tile  maker  of  the  body  he  hath  adapted 

r,  to  tirworld  in  which  >*e  are  placed;  not  only  the  primarvne- 

v.rr,?t  nil   our  incidental  wants   are  amply  provided  for. 
cessitics,  but  all  our  »ncm  n  .  ^^^      ..^^„  ^^  ^^^^ 

^"""^  ^jS.vkiSfor  the  te/npe  than  for  the  spirit  whieh  inhabits 
thougntfu  ly  l^ind  i^.r  the  tcAiP^e  body  and  not  for  the  soul  ?  Pre- 
itl    Shall  ^^"'l  take  care  loriney   i,e  be  considered  "afaithful 

the  souU  as  or  iM^  u  ^     j    ^  p,.ov  sion.    Is  it  not  manifest 

only  solici  udo  is  to  a«c«"^f"j;    ^V        ,  „g  ^h^  yery  pro- 

:itn  we  nee'd"'  'TheSTeein^  Z  have  a  high  Priest  who  can  be 
ZchedwTth  a  feeling  of  our  infirmil  es,  let  us  come  bold  y  unto 
ZtLToi  grace,  u.ld  find  grace  to  help  m  time  of  need.  ^^^^^ 

t "  Then  shall  ihev  know,  when  xhey  follow  on  to  know  the  Lord, 
whether  it  bo  true." 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL, 


135 


iional  Independence.  Had  no  access  to  Gochn  prayer.  U 
was  all  a  form.  I  am  sick  of  these  celebrations.  I  be- 
lieve their  moral  influence  is  very  bad.  Hope  neVer  to 
attend  another.  This  afternoon  have  had  a  very  <rood 
covenant  meetiivjr.  More  than  a  common  number  were 
present.  More  fMeling  and  activity  in  the  church  than  I 
expected.  God  be  praised  for  this.  One  woman  who 
has  for  some  time  cherished  a  hope,  related  her  experience 
to-day  to  be  baptized  to-morrow.  O  may  God  hs  praised 
for  this,  and  may  many  others  yet  be  made  willing  bv 
his  power."  * 

"Julys.  Sabbath."  The  amount  of  the  first  part  of 
this  entry  13,  a  good  day.  Liberty  in  preaching.  Bap- 
tism at  noon.  Solemn  season  at  communion.  A  branch 
of  his  church  was  located  in  the  factory  village  of  Oris- 
kany,  three  miles  west  of  Whiteaborough,  and,  if  I  re- 
collect aright,  he  held  a  five  o'clock  lecture  there  once  a 
month  on  the  Sabbath.  Of  this  day  he  savs,  "  At  five 
o'clock  preached  a  lecture  at  Ori«kany.  A  still  and  sol- 
emn meeting.  Went  home  with  a  brother  I  had  not  vis- 
ited before  in  a  long  time.  A  good  visit.  Monday, 
visited  thirteen  families  and  a  number  of  young  people  in 
the  factories.     Had  a  good  monthly  concert  ill  the  even- 


ing. 


7th.    Continued  his  family  visiting  and  preached  in 
the  evening. 

8th.    Wrote  letters  and  read  some.    "A  languid  day 
it)  body  and  mind." 

We  insert  one  of  the  letters : 

Whileshorc\  .Tuly  8,  1835. 
My  dear  sister:— Yours  which  I  have  been  for  some 
time  expecting,  I  have  to-day  received,  ai.d  as  I  have  to- 
day a  little  leisure,  I  will  give  you  an  immediate  reply. 
I  do  very  much  rejoice  that  God  has  once  more  set  your 
feet  ijpon  the   foundation  laid  in  Zion,  and  put  a  new 


136 


MEMOIR    OP 


scn<r  into  your  mouth.  I  have  endeavored  to  pour  out 
my  heart  in  gratitude  for  what  God  has  done  for  you,  and 
in  s^jpplicaiion  for  his  mercy  to  remain  with  you,  to  keep 
and  bless  you  ever  more.  I  have  before  seen  a  letter  from 
Elder  Peck,  in  which  he  gave  an  account  of  the  covenant 
meeting  in  Shaftsbury,  and  of  your  being  present.  What 
an  infinite  mercy  it  is,  that  God  does  not  cast  us  off  when 
we  wander  from  him,  but  is  ever  ready  to  receive  and 
forgive  us  when  we  become  truly  penitent.  I  have 
thought  much  of  this  of  late,  and  trust  I  have  in  some 
degree  rejoiced  in  the  forgiving  love  of  my  heavenly 
Fa">er  Nothmg  can  so  enliven  and  melt  my  heart,  as 
the  pardoning  mercy  of  God,  freely  bestowed  through  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  * 

I  am  <'lad  to  hear  you  have  a  Sabbath  school.  It  may 
boa  great  blessing.  Is  Elvira  a  teacher?  Does  she 
vet  love  the  Savior?  I  think  a  great  deal  of  prayer  ;s 
'euuisite  to  render  a  S.  S.  a  means  of  conversion.- 
Conversation  of  teachers  with  their  scholars,  m  the  week, 
and  when  alone,  is  very  important.  How  often  may  the 
mind  of  a  child  be  tenderly  impressed,  and  their  conh- 
deuce  secured,  by  kind  and  free  conversation  and  solemn 
rrayer  with  them,  when  .the  recitation  of  their  lesson 
would  affect  them  very  little.  I  do  think  the  Holy 
Spirit  blesses  direct,  kind  and  faithful  addresses  to  ihe 
consciences  of  young  and  old,  as  the  means  of  their 
conversion,  more  frequently  than  he  does  any  other 
means  employed.  Did  every  christian  not  only  shine  as 
a  bright  and  holy  example  of  piety  among  men,  but  really 
endeavor  to  pursuade  and  beseech  them  in  Christ's  stead 
to  be  reconciled  to  God,  there  would  more  frequently  be 
joy  in  heayen  over  sinners  that  repent.  What  can  be 
m  mt  by  the  kingdom  of  heaven  being  like  the  leaven 
hid  in  the  meal,  and  by  its  constant  fermentation  attract- 
in<r  to  itself,  and  identifying  with  itself,  every  surround- 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


137 


ing  particle  till  the  whole  lump  is  leavened  ?  Does  it 
not  mean  ihat  the  church  should  be  incessantly  actinq 
for  the  eternal  salvation  of  men?  That  every  member 
should  win  souls  to  Christ  1  Should  be  a  portion  of  the 
leaven  to  attract  the  surrounding  particles  till  all  become 
leavened  ?  May  you,  my  dear  sister,  be  the  means, 
under  God,  of  opening  to  your  family  and  to  others  the 
savmg  knowledge  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

My  health  has  been  miserable  for  six  weeks  past  I 
have  had  the  same  weakness  at  the  lungs  that  I  had  last 
year.  I  am  now  better.  /  know  the  climate  does  not 
agree  with  me  here,  and  expect  finallv  to  be  obli-ed  to 
leave,  though  I  shall  do  so  with  deep  regret,  as  my'heart 
IS  much  attached  to  this  people.  But  I  mean  to  say,  the 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done.  I  shall  not  leave  at  present. 
I  have  not  mentioned  it  at  all  except  to  ray  relative*. 
Let  us  pray  for  each  other. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 

A.  L.  CoVELL. 

P.  S.  Cousin  Lemuel  Covell  is  ordained  Pastor  of 
the  church  in  Athens,  below  Albanv.  In  the  last  Maga- 
zine, is  the  following  notice:  "Mr.  Loreozo  O.  Covell 
ordained  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  West  Boylston, 
June  3."    Do  you  know  any  thing  about  him  ? 

Journal  resumed. 

"  9th.  Attended  a  concert  in  a  neighboring  church. 
Came  home  very  tired." 

10th.  A  humble  fervent  supplication.  Choice  of  a 
text.  Prayer  for  assistance  in  writing  and  speaking  from 
it,  and  a  desire  for  God  to  accompany  it  with  his  blessing. 
Various  and  interesting  exercises  for  several  successiv* 
pages,  very  similar  to  many  already  recorded, 

"  July  20.  Yesterday  in  the  morning  Rev.  Mr.  Hoby, 
from  Birmingham,  England,  preached  an  interesting 
sermon  to  our  congregation.    ~  "    ' 


I   do  hone  some*  annd 


1S8 


MEMOIR     OF 


pressions  were  made  on  the  minds  of  the  people.  Tn  the 
afternoon  I  preached  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  this 
village.  Not  a  very  good  time  to  me.  Preached  again 
at  5  o'clock.  A  good  time — solemn  meeting.  Spent 
the  night  with  one  of  the  bretliren  whom  I  had  not  seen 
before  in  a  long  time.  To-day  have  visited  five  families, 
do  not  know  that  much  good  has  been  done.  Apathy  is 
settling  upon  the  minds  of  christians  generally,  apparent- 
ly there  is  but  very  little  prayer.  Binners  too  are  get- 
ting stupid.  Worse  than  all  else,  my  own  heart  is  much 
too  cold.  O  Lord,  I  pray  thee,  revive  thy  work,  and  let 
it  begin  with  me." 

"  24.  To-day  visited  a  few  families  where  I  had  not 
been  in  a  long  time.  Some  part  of  ihe  lime  I  have  spent 
very  pleasantly.  Hope  some  good  has, been  done  to  one 
or  two  christians  who  had  been  for  some  time  in  the 
dark.  O  Lord,  I  pray  thee  bring  them  in  o  the  light. 
Conversed  with  two  unconverted  sinners  to-day.  Both 
appeared  a  little  tender,  but  not  all  decided  to  ask  for 
mercy  now.  Conversed  with  one  sick  woman  whose 
husband  is  a  universalist,  and  who  appeared  very  unwil- 
ling that  any  one  should  converse  with  his  wife.  Poor 
man,  when  he  shall  meet  God  in  judgment,  he  may  re- 
gret his  opposition  to  the  truth." 

"  25.  To-day  have  been  in  a  very  low  and  languid  state 
of  feelinff.  Found  some  enjoyment  in  reading  in  the 
Bible,  and  in  Bunyan's  Holy  War." 

"  Sabbath  morning,  July  26.  Feel  weak  and  faint  in 
body,  and  have  not  much  energy  of  mind.  O  Lord,  I 
humbly  pray  thee,  assist  me  this  day.  Enable  me  to 
glorify  thee  in  all  I  do.  Bless  thy  people  ;  make  thy  word 
a  blessing  to  them,  duicken  us  all  according  to  thy 
word." 

"  27.  To-day  have  been  constantly  engaged  in  mak- 
ing family  visits.     Conversed  with  many    christians. 


ALANSON    L.     C  0  V  E  L  L. 


139 


j^ome  appeared  glad  of  such  an  interview.  Others  were 
less  interested  in  religion  than  I  want  to  see  them.- 
Some  were  in  affliction.  It  was  a  great  privilege  to  them 
to  have  prayer  offered  in  their  behalf.  This  evenin-  we 
held  a  christian  conference,  to  find  out  the  spiritual  state 
of  our  members.  A  very  full  attendance.  Many  seem 
strong  in  the  Lord  and  are  progressing  in  the  faith  — 
Others  seem  to  be  ready  to  learn  the  wr.ys  of  the  Lord 
0  may  they  be  recovered  and  kepi  from  the  snare  of 
satan.    Thia  has  been  a  good  meelino-  " 

"  29.  O  how  many  things  there  are  in  this  world  to 
becloud  the  mind,  depress  the  faiih,  and  chill   the  ardor 
of  God's  people;  but  wiih  me,  the  worst  of  all  the  evils  I 
suffer  IS,  a  heart  so  easily  drawn  away  from  my  Savior. 
Yet  I  do  not  despair  of  mercy,  nor  intend  to  leave  the 
path  of  obedience.     Though  greatly   ashamed  and  con- 
demned for  my  departures   from   God,  yet  I  desire  to 
renew  my  walk  with  him  and  by  his  grace  endeavor  to 
be  more  truly  devoted  and  faithful.    This  morning  have 
commenced  a  sermon   on  inconsiderate  and    heartless 
promises  to  God,  from  the  parable  of  the  two  sons,  Matt. 
XXI,  28,  30.    Help  me,  O  Lord,  to  preach  to  myself  and 
reduce  my  doctrine  to  practice.    Heavenly  Father,  I  also 
fear  that  too  many  of  my  christian  brethren,  whom  I  love 
la  the  truth,  have  broken  many  of  the  solemn   promises 
they  huve  made,  to  labor  in  thy  vineyard.    I  desire  to 
say  something  from  thy  word,  which   »vill  be  ihe  means 
of  quickening  them  to  a  more  decided  and  hearty  engag- 
edness  in  thy  service.    I  pray  thee,  merciful  God,  assist 
me  by  thy  Holy  spirit  to  prepare  and  deliver  this  sermon 
in  such  a  manner  as  will  do  good." 

"31.  This  morning  feel  greatly  depressed  in  body, 
and  languid  in  mind.  Have  found  some  relief  in  prayer. 
I  ihank  God  ior  that.    Blessed  be  his  holy  name  that  he 


140 


MEMOIR    OF 


tvill  and  does  hear  tV?  cry  of  such  a  poor  and  miserable 

sinner  as  I  am." 

August  1.  In  meditation  upon  my  present  condition, 
in  prayer  to  God,  and  in  endeavoring  to  renew  my  reso- 
lutions to  Icve  and  serve  him,  I  have  found  some  comfort 
and  hope  this  morning.  In  reading  Pilgrim's  Progress 
was  instructed,  admonished  and  encouraged." 

2.  "Sabbath  morning.  Uncommonly  clear  and  pleasant. 
How  glorious  do  all  the  works  of  God  appear.  With 
what  joy  and  gladness  should  his  saints  go  up  to  his 
courts  and  worship.  O,  Lord  of  Hosts  how  excellent  is 
thy  name  in  ali  the  earth.  Thou  hast  set  thy  glory  above 
the  heavens.  O  Lord,  I  desire  to  praise  and  worship  thee 
this  day  for  all  thy  works  of  power  and  love,  and  for  all 
thy  kind  providences.  Thou  art  intiaitely  great  and 
good  J  and  thy  tender  mercies  are  over  all  thy  works.— 

0  help  me  to  praise  thee  with  uprightness  of  heart." 
'''i\ugust  9.    Sabbath  morning.    O  God,  \  ihank  thee 

for  this  day— for  health  and  reason-~for  thy  blessed 
word— for  time  to  pray— and  for  all  I  enjoy.  Evening. 
Have  not  had  a  pleasant  Sabbath.  Felt  greatly  embar- 
rassed in  preaching.  Was  very  much  depressed  after 
meetmg.  At  five  o'clock  attended  conference.  Only  a 
few  present;  still  we  had  quite  a  good  season.  My 
heart  was  a  little  revived  by  hearing  the  brethren 
pray  and  exhori ;  but  how  far  I  am  from  the  true  enjoy- 
ment of  God.    My  soul  is  under  a  dark  and  heavy  cloud. 

1  have  wandered  away  from  God.  I  have  '  left  my  guide, 
and  lost  my  way.'  '  O,  that  I  knew  where  I  might  find 
him !  I  would  approach  even  to  his  seat.  I  would  order 
my  cause  before  him.  I  would  fill  my  mouth  with  argu- 
ments.   I  try  to  pray,  but  do  not  find  relief.' 

'  10.  This  iriorning  ray  soul  is  still  in  darkness  and 
trouble.  I  have  not  that  peace  of  mind  I  desire.  Leave 
home  on  a  journey  to-day.  May  God  protect  me  and 
help  rae  ia  all  places  to  act  like  a  christian.' 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


Ht 


He  went  north  to  visit  friends  and  attend  Mrs.  Covell 
on  her  return  home. 

"September  13.  For  one  month  I  have  been  absent 
from  the  people  of  my  chage.  This  is  the  first  Sabbath 
since  my  return.  It  Avas  my  desire  to  return  to  them  in 
the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  peace.  But, 
alas,  I  am  the  same  unprofitable  servant  that  ever  I  have 
been.  I  greatly  fear  that  I  have  been  more  desirous  to 
be  the  7tieans  of  awakening  sinners,  than  I  have  that 
sinners  should  be  awakened  and  saved.  It  seems  to  me 
this  is  impossible,  yet  I  fear  this  has  been  the  real  state 
of  ray  heart  in  this  matter.  O,  how  vile  my  selfish 
heart  appears.  How  infinitely  abhorrent  and  loathsome 
must  it  appear  to  the  Holy^One.  '•  Self-seeking  »  ;is  one 
of  my  besetting  sins.  I  see  it,  feel  ashamed  of  it,  strive 
against  it;  but  still  it  remains  within  me.  O,  that  I 
might  be  delivered  from  it." 

"14.  This  morning  have  had  some  comfort  in  read- 
ing the  Bible  and  in  prayer." 

"22.  To-day  have  visited  the  sick  and  spent  my  time 
in  domestic  concerns." 

"25.  Am  engaged  and  perplexed  in  making  arrange- 
ments for  iiouse-keeping." 

"November  1.  Had  to-day  a  little  enjoyment  in  se- 
cret prayer.  In  the  morning  had  not  much  liberty  in 
preaching  from  the  words,  "thy  kingdom  come."  At 
noon  baptized  one  willing,  humble  convert.  I  bless  God 
that  the  poor  of  this  world  are  pressing  into  the  kingdom 
of  God.     O,  that  many  may  yet  come." 

"November  12.  To-day  received  a  visit  from  broth- 
er Ide,  late  pastor  of  the  first  Baptist  church  in  the  city 
of  Albany.  He  came  to  bear  to  me  the  invitation  of  the 
church  to  visit  them,  and  settle  with  them  as  their  pas- 
tor, should  we  be  mutually  satisfied.  It  is  wholly  unex- 
pected to  me.    It  has  greatly  agitated  my  mind.    I  try 


m 


M  E  RI  0  1  R   OP 


10  pray  anil  ilclibcralc  serioir-ly  upon  it,  but  gain  very 
little  advantage.  This  evenin-  I.ave  attended  a  lecture. 
Had  somo  liberty  in  trying  to  preach  Christ  to  the  few 
who  came  in." 

"  13.    My  thoughts  are  constantly  occupied  with  the 
prospect  of  chan  Jng  my  pastoral  relations.    For  a  long 
time  I  have  been   deliberating  and   trying  to  pray  upon 
this  subject,  witliodt  knowing  or  expecting  that  any  oilier 
field  of  labor  would  be  opened  to  me.     Nor  had  I  any 
unwillin-ness  to  continue  to  labor  here  if  it  appeared  to 
be  the  will  of  God  that  I  should.     There  were  serious 
considerations  which  made  me  think  it  would  not  be  my 
duty  to  remain  he)-e  much  longer.     One  of  these  consid- 
erations  u,   the   health   of  my   dear   companion.     The 
climate  is  evidently  unfavorable  to  hci.    Repealed  and 
severe  attacks  of  sickness  have  already  done  much  to 
waste  the   strength  of  her  constitution.    Not  only  her 
physicians,  but  my  own  warm  friends  who  are  anxious 
for  me  to  continue  here,  agree  with  me  in  thin,  and  think 
she  would  be  far  more  healthy  in  a  climate  less  humid. 
This  has  occasioned  very  great  anxiety  to  us  both,  and 
has  often  urged  us  to  the  mercy-seat  to  ask  counsel  of 
Ood. 

Another  reason  why  I  have  thought  it  might  be  my 
duty  to  enter  another  Held  of  labor,  should  another  be 
presented  is,  that  more  pastoral  labor  is  really  needed 
here,  than  I  am  able  to  perform.  Our  church  and  con- 
gregation are  scattered  over  a  wide  territory.  They  are 
never  all  at  meeting  on  the  Sabbath.  They  therefore 
strongly  solicit,  and  really  need  frequent  lectures  and 
other  meetings  during  the  week.  For  two  years  past,  I 
have  attended  meetings  often,  every  evening  in  the  week, 
and  seldom  less  than  three  or  four.  This,  with  attend- 
ing funerals,  and  meetings  abroad,  pa.,toral  visits  and  my 
own  dom-esiic  cares,  more  than  engrosses  my  whole  time, 


AL  A  NSO  N    L.    CO  V£LL, 


143 


and  requires  a  greater  amount  of  efibrt  tlian  I  am  able  to 
make.  Besides  tliis>,  this  weeldy  a^^regate  of  labor 
leaves  mc  very  little  lime  for  reading  aiurrellection,  nor 
enough  to  prepare  properly  for  the  Sab!)alh.  Having 
been  engaged  in  this  round  of  labor  for  nearly  (ive  years' 
I  have  thought  it  might  be  right  fur  me  to  leave  it  to 
some  other  person  more  competent  to  perform  It.  I  find 
too,  that  my  own  health  is  like  to  fail  under  my  present 
course  of  duty.  I  have  already  determined  to  omit  much 
of  what  I  have  been  accustomed  to  perform,  even  if  I 
remain  here.  These,  with  some  other  reason?,  have  led 
me  for  some  time  past  to  conclude,  that  if  in  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  another  field  of  labor  should  be  opened  for 
me,  it  might  be  my  duty  to  accept  it.  Yet  I  can  not  say 
that  I  have  been  really  determined  on  this.  There  are 
reasons  on  the  other  hand  which  greatly  incline  me  to 
remain  where  I  am. 

In  the  first  place  I  nave,  so  far  as  I  know,  the  confi- 
dence of  the  chuich  and  people.  They  seem  greatly- 
attached  to  me  as  their  miL:,-,ter,  and  are  unusually  kind 
to  me.  I  have  received  many  favors  from  them,  and 
would  gladly  make  any  exertion  in  my  power  to  do  them 
good.  I  have  more  confidence  in  going  on  with  my  labor 
here,  and  better  know  how  to  proceed,  than  I  should 
among  strangers.  On  the  whole,  I  am  resolved  to  leave 
it  all  to  the  determination  of  divine  Providence.  I  am 
resolved  to  be  more  prayerful,  and  to  become  better  qual- 
ified 10  do  the  will  of  God,  whatever  it  may  be." 

"18.  O  Lord,  I  pray  thee  behold  rae  in  my  present 
condition.  In  great  compassion  to  me,  as  the  chief  of 
sinners,  I  pray  thee  set  my  soul  at  liberty  from  all  I  hale 
and  fear,  and  prepare  me  fully  for  all  that  is  before  me." 

"19.  Feel  more  composure  of  mind  this  morning.— 
Have  a  little  more  freedom  in  prayer.  God,  I  hope,  and 
I  can  almost  say  I  believe,  will  order  my  steps  aright.— 


144 


MEMOIR     OF 


He  has  hitherto  opened  my  way  before  me,  by  means 
that  I  could  not  have  foreseen  or  devised,  and  in  a  man- 
ner far  more  favorable  to  my  happiness  than  I  could  have 
expected.     O  how  great  has  been  his  mercy." 

**22— Sabbath.  In  the  morning  had  more  than  usual 
liberty  and  enjoyment  in  preaching.  Had  the  attentioa 
of  the  people,  and  hope  some  good  impressions  were 
made  At  noon  found  one  young  lady  had  recently 
found  peace  in  the  Savior.  I  do  feel  to  praise  God  at 
the  si^ht  of  one  more  convert,  one  more  immortal  being 
saved^from  eternal  woe.  In  the  afternoon  had  much  less 
liberty  in  preaching,  yet  the  assembly  was  still  and  sol- 
emn, and  I  hope  the  opportunity  was  not  entirely  lost.- 
This  evening  we  have  had  a  prayer-meeting  and  confer- 
ence. A  pleasant  and  encouraging  meeting.  Some  of 
the  members  were  unusually  engaged  in  prayer.  I  do 
think  the  members  of  our  church  are  becommg  more 
prayerful,  and  that  their  prayers  will  avail.  I  hope  the 
good  spirit  of  God  may  continue  with  them." 

«  23  Have  not  felt  all  that  peace  and  calmness  to-day 
as  sorn"  days  before,  yet  I  hope  and  pray  that  the  Lord 
will  not  leave  me.  Am  willing  God  should  decide  the 
case  of  my  going  to  Albany,  just  as  will  be  for  Ins  own 
glory." 


AL  A  N80N    L.    CO  VBLL. 


146 


CHAPTERV. 

History  still  continued  mostly  by  journal. 
ZVZt^^lT.kT'"''  -'houtgaiuBaying.  as  soon  a.  I 

"25.  This  morning  the  dark  cloud  which  hung  over 
my  soul  yesterday,  is  beginning  to  remove.  God  seems 
willing  to  keep  me  from  plunging  inco  deeper  darkness 
Blessed  be  his  holy  name.  To-day  I  am  to  leave  home 
for  Albany.  I  leave  with  much  anxiety  for  my  dear  wife 
and  little  one  whom  I  leave  behind,  and  for  the  circum- 
stances  which  are  before  me.  I  have  many  fears  and 
some  hopes  concerning  the  future.  I  try  to  commit  all  to 
God.  I  fhink  I  can  say— I  desire  his  will  may  be  done. 
I  have  some  faith  to  believe  that  he  will  guide  my  way 
aright,  and  that  if  I  do  honestly  and  prayerfully  confide 
in  him,  he  will  order  my  course  so  that  his  own  cause 
will  be  advanced,  and  my  best  interests  secured. 

0  God  my  heavenly  Father,  I  do  humblv  ^  ly  thee  to 
bless  my  family  while  I  am  absent.  ^  ^  tj,y  presence 
be  with  them.  May  no  ill  befall  tlicni.  May  their  wants 
be  all  supplied.  Help  my  dear  companion  to  trust  in 
thee,  to  rejoice  in  thee,  and  to  wait  patiently  for  thy 
holy  will.  O  protect  my  little  daughter,  and  rear  her  up 
to  serve  thee  when  we  are  dead.    0  Lord  I  pray  thee 

be  with  me.    Assist  me  m  reflection  and  in  prayer. 

Help  me  to  watch  against  all  temptation,  and  to  live  near 
to  thee.  Give  me,  O  give  me  thy  spirit  when  I  preach 
thy  word.  May  some  good  be  done.  Bless  thy  people 
her^,  continue  a  praying  spirit  among  them.  May  thy 
work  once  more  revive  here.    May  souls  be  converted. 


tfc 


146 


MEMOIR    OP 


ihy  church  be  strengthened  and  great  good  be  done  before 

this  winter  shall  close.' 

•Nov  23.  Albany,  Saturday  evening.  By  the  good 
movidence  of  God  I  arrived  here  on  Thursday  evemng. 
Had  a  very  cold,  tedious  journey,  but  God  has  support- 
ed  me  through  it.  I  am  now  quite  rested  m  body  tho' 
far  from  being  ai  rest  in  mind.  How  foohsh  and  vam 
have  been  both  my  fears  and  my  hopes.  O  Lord  I  pray 
ihee  to  be  with  me  to  deliver  me  from  my  sms  and  to 
nualifv  me  for  thy  holy  will.  I  can  do  nothing  without 
r  p^sence  to-morrow.  O  that  I  might  enjoy  thy  love. 
O  that  I  might  rise  completely  and  forever  a  ov^  he  f- 
of  men,  and  all  desire  for  their  applause.  Gracious  feav- 
tri  pray  for  grace  to  love  thee  and  serve  thee  as  I  ought. 

0  '<Tive  me  thy  spirit  to  morrow.    Amen. 

.-29  Sabbath  This  day  to  which  for  two  weeks  I 
have  been  looking  forward,  ha,  at  length  arrived  and  i, 
TZrZt  I  have  been  enabled  to  preach  twice.  In 
r  mor'ning  I  was  son-.ewhat  embarrassed,  and  did  not 
have  0  much  expansion  of  mind  and  freedom  of  alter- 
am e  as  I  could  desire,  ,et  1  »as  not  left  wholly  m  t  e 
dark  I  was  enabled  to  go  throngh  with  my  sermon  with 
a  commol  degree  of  order  aad  interest.  The  attention 
rf  he  audience  was  continued  till  the  last,  and  I  hope 

1  impression  made  by  the  discourse  was  good     TUo 
I  did  not  perceive  that  it  was  at  all  deep  or  unusual. 

This  afternoon  I  had  in  prayer  a  little  more  conscious- 
neJs  0  the  presence  of  God,  and  was  permitted  to  su  - 
pSate  his  Lone  with  more  confidence  and  joy.  H 
B  esence  as  I  thought  shone  a  little  upon  my  heart.  la 
n  each  n.'I  had  a  clearer  recollection  of  my  sermon,  anu 
'mu  h  m^re  free  and  forcible  utterance  '"- ■»  j  :-- 
Z  I  had  not  a  warm  flow  of  christian  feeling,  but 
had  a  ready  flow  of  ideas  and  words.  On  the  whole  I 
am  afr'd  I  had  too  much  liberty.    Should  I  continue  o 


AL  ANSO  N    L.    CO  VELL. 


147 


pectation  which  this  sermon  may  have  raised,  but  yet  I 
am  in  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  and  he  can  do  with  me 
just  as  he  sees  fit.    Perhaps  after  all  I  have  not  made 
much  impression  on  the  minds  of  the  prnple     They 
may  think  so  lightly  of  me,  as  not  to  say  even  a  word  to 
me  about  settling  here.    If  so  I  shall  have  no  trouble 
about  It.    I  shall  return  to  my  beloved  flock  in  Whites 
boro',  and  strive  with  all  the  power  I  have  to  do  -ood 
among  them.    May  the  Lord  guide  my  steps  just  a^s  he 
would  have  me  go. 

Night-Have  just  returned  from  lecture  this  eveninrr- 
had  not  much  liberty  in  speaking.    Found  my  preachin- 
today  had  considerable  effect  on  the  members  of  the 
church.    Some  of  the  young  converts  were  much  stirred 
in  their  minds.    I  had  no  hope  in  the  morning  that  my 
preaching  would  make  as  much  impression  as  I  find  it 
has.    O,  that  God  would  make  his  word  his  own  power 
m  the  salvation  of  some  poor  sinner.    One  woman  this 
evening  was  said  to  be  deeply  affected  and  left  the  house 
in  tears.     O,  that  the  Holy  spirit  may  follow  her,  and 
that  she  may  be  brought  to  Jesus.    I  am  now  about  to 
retire,  and  O,  that  I  may  find  forgivness  at  the  hand  of 
my  God  for  every  thing  wrong  I  have  said,  or  done,  or 
cherished  m  my  heart  to-day.     My   gracious  Savior,  I 
lall  at  thy  feet.    I  confess  my  unworthiness  and  vileness 
m  thy  sight.    I  pray  through  thine  infinite  mercy  to  be 
forgiven  and  sanctiried.    O,  miy  thy  spirit  be  with  me 
in  the  future  and  strengthen  me  in  my  duty." 

"Dec.  6.  Sabbath.  This  morning  was  greatly  op- 
pressed with  criminal  anxiety  about  meeting  the  expect- 
ation of  the  people.  Felt  desolate  in  my  soul,  as  thou-h 
the  divine  spirit  had  withdrawn,yet  I  was  not  left  entire, 
ly  alone.  I  was  enabled  to  go  through  my  discourse 
with  tolerable  accuracy,  and  to  hold  the  attention  of  the 
assembly  to  the  last.  In  the  afternoon  I  preached  a  short 
sermon  before  communion.    Had  much  morp  lih«rfy  .u.> 


i 


148 


MEMOIR     OP 


.     ,.        .«v.cr     Peoole  more  attentive— solemn  season 
in  the  morning,    feopie  mure  „rpater  freedom 

at  communion.  In  the  evening  hud  still  greater  Ireedom 
ImuTmore  effect  produced  in  the  assembly  Came 
Tome  feeUng  better  than  in  the  morning.  Find  the  peo- 
;raretout  to  give  me  a  call  to  settle  with  them." 
c.7-.Monday.  Some  degree  of  peace  in  my  early 
rrmornln-     Have  been  through  the  day  rather 

r^aVd    rinm^y-  mind.    Am  much  exercised  in  my 
dull  ana  Qdrii         '        .  The  way  seems  opening. 

solved  to  ptay  more  and  more. 

«  Whitesboro',  Dec.  13.    Sinee  my  letam  from  Alba», 

mercifuUo  us  all.    ne  ^^^^^ 

so  that  though  confined  to  her  house,  sh 

taken  more  ill,  not  experienced  a-Y  ";'°  ^^^^^. 

stance  daring  my  absence.    My  little  uau»n 

well  too,  and  every  '^'"^  -  -^^^  ^^  h. 
Bless  the  Lord,  « J'J  "^^^^.^..^  me  the  eBJoy 
been  preserved.  "»«  ™^  °'  %,,^t  I  have  had  some 
meat  of  his  presence  »»"■"««'  ^"  '"t.    ^^^       „ted  m 

pl--°' ''''-;/:: J,  ::et"prea^hin;hU  word  i. 
aZuv'T  have  nof  been  wholly  forsaken  nor  lefu.  ^ 
Albany,    l  nave  uu  „,acious  to  me  to 

stand  alone.    God  has  been  m«e  =«ci  ^^^  ^^^^ 

I  expected  hewouU  be  but  «n  »  V  »-  P  j^,„, , 

often  remiss  in  faithfulness,    ne         s  thev  have 

the  eyes  of  the  people  in  Albany  so  that  he  h^v  I 
.Uhout  one  dissenting  -e,  ^  J^ted  --^  ^^^^  ^^^| 
them  as  lueir  pusiui.    ivi/    


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


149 


been  not  only  pleasant,  bat  such  as  seems  to  indicate  the 
pleasure  01  God  in  my  removal  among  them.  I  have 
arrived  fully  to  (he  conclusion  that  it  is  my  duty  to  go 
Smce  my  return  I  have  received  a  dismission  from  this' 
dear  people,  and  have  written  to  the  brethren  in  Albanv 
my  acceptance  of  their  call.  After  two  sabbaths  more  I 
hope  to  be  ready  to  return  to  them  with  my  family  aid 
begm  my  labors  there.  jj  «*"«* 

My  earnest  prayer  is,  that  the  Lord  may  cause  mv 
removal  from  this  people  to  be  only  a  necessary  prepara- 
tion  for  the  introduction  into  this  field  of  labor,  of  one  of 
his  more  faithful  and  devoted  servants,  and  that  my  en- 
trance  into  the  field  opened  to  me  at  Albany,  may  also 
be  a  blessing  to  them.    Had  more  than  usual  freedom  in 
preaching  to-day,  both  of  thought  and  utterance.    In  the 
morning  spoke  from  this    passage-"  i\li  things  shall 
work  together  for  good,  to  those  that  love  God    and  are 
the  called  according  to  h-i  purpose."    In  the  afternoon 
preached  the  funeral  ?      .a  of  brother  C.  Balis  from  2d 
Cor.  V,  2,  8.    A  ver>  encouraging  prayer  meeting  this 
evenmg.    Two  persons  were  deeply  impressed  and  de- 
sired prayers." 

In  the  entry  of  the  following  Saturday,  he  complains 
cf  not  having  spent  the  week  with  appropriate  zeal  and 
devoledness,  ft^ars  he  has  had  wrong  motives  in  desirin^ 
"to  preach  good  sermons"  for  his  "last  ones,"  and 
prays  for  needful  grace. 

"Dec.  26.  Another  week  of  care,  anxiety  and  distrac- 
tion has  fled.  O  ihat  it  had  been  a  week  of  devotion  and 
prayer.  I  am  to-night  as  destitute  of  any  preparation  for 
the  duties  of  the  Sabbath,  as  I  was  last  Saturday  ni^rht  — 
and  yet  it  is  the  last  day  I  shall  spend  with  this  dear 
people  in  a  long  time.  O  that  I  could  speak  to  them 
from  a  full  and  a  holy  heart,  i^s  it  is,  I  will  try  to  cast 
myself  on  the  Lord,  and  do  the  best  I  can.    O  that  T  may 

10*  "      ^ 


150 


MEMOIR     OF 


not  be  left  wholly  without  the  presence  of  my  master." 
"27   This  has  not  been  a  very  pleasant  and  profitable 
sabbath  to  me.    In  the  morning  preached  from  PhiU.  i, 
(      27   «  Only  let  your  conversation  be   as  becometh  the 
so'spel  of  Christ;  that  whether  I  come  and  see  you  or 
else  be  absent,  1  may  hear  of  your  affairs,  that  ye  stand 
fast  in  one  spitit,  with  one  mind,  striving  together  for  the 
faith  of  the  gospel."    Had  but  very  little  freedom  euher 
of  thou-ht  or  utterance  ;  yet  on  a  few  pomts,  I  was  en- 
abled to  speak  with  a  d-ree  of  clearness  and  force   and 
some  effect  was  evidently  produced  on  the  mmds  of 

In  the  afternoon  preached  from  Heb.  xiii,  17;  [whole 
verse  is  transcribed;!  "Obey  them  that  have  the  rule 
over  vou,  and  submit  yourselves ;  for  they  watch  for  your 
souls  as  they  that  must  give  account,  that  they  may  do 
it  with  joy  and  not  with  grief."    Last  part  of  the  verse. 
Had  much  greater  readiness  in  speakmg,  than  in  the 
morning     Considerable  emotion  was  manifest  in  the 
assembly,  and  1  hope  some  good  impressions  were  made. 
But  O  how  solemn  the  thought,  that  I  must  leave  this 
dear  assembly  for  eternity.    O  may  I  find  pardon  with 
mv  God  for  every  defect  and  every  fault  of  ray  ministry 
while  among  them.    This  evening  we  have  had  a  very 
T)leasant  conference  and  prayer-meeling.    Some  of  the 
members  were  very  much   engaged.    One  person  was 
nre^ent  who  has  recently  as  she  thinks,  found  peace  m 
Lirevin-.    One  young  man  related  his  experience  to  u.e 
after  me^eling,  and  thinks  he  shall  soon  make  a  public 
profession  of  religion.    May  the  Lord  preserve  him  from 
evil  and  make  him  a  humble,  bold  and  useful  member  ot 
his  church.    One  young  lady  was  under  very  deep  awak- 
ening, and  I  hope  may  soon  find  rest  in  Jesus. 

On  the  whole,  things  appear  quite  encouraging  in  this 
congregation,  and  I  do  hope  the  Lord  may  stili  be  with 


ALANSON    L.    COVE  L  L. 


151 


and  bless  them.    My  soul  shall  never  cease  to  pray  for 
their  prosperity. 

"Dec.  30.  To-day,  after  a  very  fatiguing  journey,  we 
find  ourselves  safely  arrived  in  the  city  of  Albany.  We 
are  very  cordially  received  by  our  friends.  This  evening, 
at  the  usual  weekly  lecture,  I  addressed  the  people  from 
Romans  i,  11,  12;  "For  I  long  to  see  you,  that  I  may 
impart  unto  you  some  spiritual  gift,  to  the  end  ye  may  be 
established  J  ihat  is,  that  I  may  be  comforted  together 
with  you  by  the  mutual  faith  of  both  you  and  me." 

"31.  To-day  have  been  much  engaged  in  getting  our 
things  regulated,  doing  errands  and  receiving  calls.  But 
little  time  for  reflection  or  prayer.  O,  may  God  make  me 
humble  and  fit  me  for  all  his  will  concerning  me  in  this 
place.     I  find  much  here  that  needs  to  be  done." 

"Jan.  1,  1836.  In  this  city,  New-year'^  day  is  devoted 
to  receiving  and  making  calls.  In  compliance  wiih  cus- 
tom I  have  spent  the  day  in  calling  on  my  people.  Have 
had  no  time  for  religious  conversation,  except  in  one  or  two 
instances.  Have  been  enabled  to  preserve  some  small 
degree  of  devotional  feeling  j  but  I  have  not  taken  the 
lime  for  reflection  on  the  past  year,  and  for  deliberation 
on  the  prospects  of  the  present,  that  I  desired  and  still 
intend  to  do.  O,  may  the  Lord  assist  me  rightly  to 
review  the  past,  and  suitably  to  prepare  for  the  future. 
We  have  this  evening  a  covenant  meeting  preparatory  to 
communion.  May  I  so  prepared  to  act  in  the  fear  of  that 
God  before  whom  I  must  soon  stand  in  jiidgment.  Night. 
Have  just  returned  from  our  covenant  meeting.  A  very 
good  degree  of  christian  feeling  sepms  to  prevail  in  the 
church.  May  the  Lord  greatly  increase  it.  My  own 
heart  has  been,  I  hope,  slightly  touched  by  a  heavenly 
inlluence." 

"2.  Saturday.    Not  much  enjoyment  to-day,  nor  much 
enlargement  of  mind  in  pieparing  to  preach^     Am  in  a 


152 


MEMOIR  OP 


backslidden  slate.    May  the  Lord  have  mercy  on  me  and 

revive  me."  i  n      •• 

«  3.  Sabbath.    This  morning  preached  from  1  Cor.  u, 
2 :  "  For  I  determined  not  to  know  any  thing  among  you, 
save  Jesus  Christ  and  him  crucified."     Had  some  liber- 
ty  in  speaking,  though  not  much  enjoyment.      Good 
attention  was  given  to  the  word,  and  1  hope  some  good 
effects  may  lollow.    In  the  afternoon  Deacon  Wasson 
in  behalf  of  the  church  gave  to  me  the  right  hand  of 
fellowship  as  a  member,  and  as  a  pastor  of  the  church. 
.After  this,  I  gave  the  same  token  of  love  to  six  others 
who  have  been  received  by  letter.     A   solemn  season. 
Proceeded   to  adminisier  the   Lord's   supper.     Solemn 
time  at  communion.    In  the  evening  our  lecture  room 
was  crowded  to  overflowing.    Many  had  to  be  seated  in 
the  gallery,  which  joins  the  lecture  room.   I  addressed  the 
people  from  Ps.  ii,  11:  "For  thy  name's  sake,  O  Lord, 
pardon  mine  iniquity  ;  for  it  is  great." 

"4.  This  day  (the  first  Monday  in  January)  has  been 
set  apart  as  a  day  of  humiliation,  fasting  and  prayer  for 
the  conversion  of  the  world.     Prayer  meeting  was  well 
attended  in  the  lecture  room  at  6  o'clock,  A.  M.    Though 
I  was  not  present,  yet  I  rejoiced  to  hear  from  brethren 
who  were,  that  it  was  a  season  of  deep  and  solemn  inter- 
est.   At  9  o'clock,  meeting  commenced  again.    Many 
fervent  prayers  were  offered  up.    Many  confessions  were 
made,  and  more  deep  and  earnest  feeling  was  expressed, 
than  I  have  witnessed  in  any  previous  meeting  of  this 
church.    O,  may  God  cause  these  waters  of  the  sanctu- 
ary to  break  forth  and  flow  on,  in  a  deep  broad  stream  of 
salvation.    It  does  seem  to  me  that  God  has  a  blessing 
for  this  people,  and  that  we  shall  soon  receive  it.    0, 
may  we  be  prepared  to  receive  and  improve  it. 

Have  just  returned  fiom  our  afternoon  prayer  meeting. 
\t  Still  continues  solemn  and  interesting.    God  seems  to. 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL, 


153 


be  near,  and  ready  to  bless.  He  seems  to  be  leading  his 
flock  on  to  new  labors  and  new  triumphs. 

Evening.  Our  fast  has  finally  closed.  Our  meeting 
this  evening  has  been  solemn.  Certainly  this  has  been 
a  profitable  day.  God  grant  it  may  be  followed  by  many 
good  results." 

"  5.  One  year  ago  this  morning,  I  made  five  resolutions 
for  the  year  to  come,  but  on  a  review  I  perceive  that 
none  of  them  have  been  fully  kept.  For  this  I  mourn,— 
for  this  I  ask  pardon  of  God.  From  reflection  on  the 
past,  and  contemplation  on  the  future,  I  have,  as  I  hope, 
in  the  fear  of  God,  adopted  the  following  resolutions  for 
the  year  to  come.  * 

1st.  I  will  by  the  help  of  God  observe  more  faithfully 
the  resolutions  of  last  year. 

2d.  I  will  by  the  help  of  God  so  seek  for  hiy^pproba- 
tion  and  presence  in  all  I  do,  that  I  may  daily  enjoy  his 
presence,  and  that  I  may  not  be  left  to  preach  on  an't/ 
occasion,  without  his  assistance  and  blessing.  I  know 
this  embraces  much.  I  know  it  is  taking  higher  ground 
than  ever  I  have  before.  I  knov;  that  I  shall  be  liable  to 
come  very  far  short  of  keeping  it  as  I  ought.  But  yet  I 
know  that  it  is  no  more  than  I  ought  to  do,  no  more  than 
ought  to  be  expected  of  me.  I  know  I  ought  to  take 
much  higher  ground  in  personal  holiness  than  I  have 
ever  yet  done.  My  duty  to  God,  to  his  church,  and  to 
the  world,  ray  present  and  future  happiness  all  demand 
it.  I  do  mean  therefore,  to  adopt  the  resolution  in  good 
faith,  and  use  my  utmost  endeavors  to  live  agreeably. — 
And  now,  O  Lord,  ray  God,  though  I  ara  the  same  frail 
and  sinful  creature  that  I  have  ever  been,  I  pray  thee 
give  me  resolution  and  energy,  and  decision  to  keep  this 
vow.  O  grant  me  thy  presence  and  the  joys  of  thy  sal- 
vation every  day. 

3d.    I  ara  resolved  to  make  more  endeavors  for  t]lit 


154 


MEMOIR    OF 


salvation  of  individuals  than  ever  I  have  done.  And 
now,  O  my  God,  I  pray  thee  give  me  strength  to  perform 
these  duties,  and  bless  me  in  them  for  my  Savior's  sake. 

Amen." 

"6.  This  evening  had  rather  more  than  usual  liberty 
in  my  weekly  lecture.  Had  the  attention  of  the  people. 
Hope  some  good  effects  were  produced ;  but  my  soul  is 
not  yet  fully  girded  up  to  the  work  as  I  wish  it  was.  O 
Lord.  I  pray  thee  quicken  me.  At  the  close,  we  voted  to 
hold  a  protracted  meeting.  May  the  Lord  prepare  us  for 
it,  and  bless  us  in  it." 

"7.  This  evening  we  have  had  a  very  solemn  prayer 
meeting.  I  hope  God  is  preparing  the  way  for  his  work 
to  advance  among  us." 

The  diary  is  continuous,  presenting  about  the  usual 
aspects.    The  "11"  says: 

"This  has  been  a  lost  day.  I  had  been  requested  to 
address  the  Sabbath  School  Teachers  of  the  city,  who 
observe  the  day  for  prayer  and  conference.  I  felt  unpre- 
pared and  unwilling.  My  heart  was  not  right  with  God 
in  it.  I  feared  men  more  than  him,  and  desired  their 
applause,  mb^than  his  glory.  I  had  no  liberty  in  prayer 
during  the  day,  and  in  the  Sabbath  School  meeting,  was 
left  wholly  in  the  dark,  and  sat  down  after  making  a  few 
remarks,  very  much  humbled  in  my  own  view,  and  in 
that  of  others  as  I  supposed.     O,  may  I  never  do  the  like 

again." 

"  13.  In  the  "morning  was  much  discouraged  by  hear- 
ing a  brother  minister  express  his  determination  to  do 
nothing  for  our  intended  protracted  meeting.  His  influ- 
ence will  be  against  us.  On  more  reflection,  1  am  fully 
resolved  to  commit  the  matter  wholly  to  God  and  perse- 
vere in  it.    May  the  Lord  give  us  his  blessing." 

"  14.    A  good  meeting  to-night  in  the  inquiry  room." 
"16.    This  morning  have  been  depressed  and  dismay- 


ALAN30N    L.    COVELL. 


155 


ed  by  looking  at  the  discouragements  bjr  which  my  pres- 
ent Situation  is  attended.     Some  of  them  appear  great 
But  I  trust  in  God  they  v;ill  not  prove  insurmountable! 
They  are  however  new  to  me,  and  I  feel  greatly  unpre- 
pared to  meet  them.    I  look  back  to  my  former  situation, 
and  reflect  on  the  advantages  I  then  enjoyed-the  confi- 
dence I  felt  in  many  of  my  brethren- the  harmony  and 
love  with  which  we  ever  engaged  together  in  the  work 
ot  the  Lord-and  my  soul  goes  out  after  them.    I  lonjr 
for  their  society-I  long  for  their  co-operation.     O  if  I 
had  only  one  or  two  of  my  former  brethren  with  me  I 
should  be  relieved.    I  should  feel  a  greater  confidence  'to 
press  on  in  the  way  before  me.    But  I  know  my  confi- 
dence  ought  to  be  in  God.     I  will  therefore  try  to  put  mv 
trust  m  him.    ''Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  souH 
hope  thou  in  God :  for  I  shall  yet  praise  him  for  the 
help  of  his  countenance."    Have  just  been  called  out  to 
attend  a  funeral.    Had  some  liberty  in  prayer.    Feel  a 
little  more  courage  and  strength  for  to-morrow.    Have  a 
little  confidence  to  believe  that  God  will  afford  assistance." 

"23.  Saturday.  This  has  been  a  week  of  some  en- 
joyment, and  I  hope  of  some  usefulness.  On  Wednes- 
day evening  considerable  effect  was  produced  by  the 
preaching  on  the  assembly  which  filled  our  lecture  room. 
Two  persons  rose  for  prayers  at  the  close.  We  had  a 
very  solemn  inquiry  meeting  on  Thursday  evenino-.- 
Three  rose  for  prayers,  two  of  them  have  obtained  hope." 

"24.  Found  one  young  man  who  has  obtained  hope 
the  week  past.  Our  lecture  room  was  crowded  to  over- 
flowing. Solemn  attention  was  given  to  the  word  to- 
night, as  well  as  thro'  the  day.    May  God  be  with  us." 

'•26.  To-day  have  some  sense  of  the  Divine  pres- 
ence, though  I  have  spent  less  time  in  prayer  than  I 
ought.  Feel  as  yet  but  poorly  prepared  for  our  meeting 
to-morrow." 


-    185 


MEMOIR    OF 


"27.  We  observe  the  day  as  a  season  of  humiliation 
and  prayer.  Notwithstanding  all  my  negligence  and 
sinfulness  God  hath  granted  me  some  consolation  in 
pouring  out  my  heart  before  him. 

12  o'clock.  Have  just  returned  from  meeting.  A 
very  solemn  season.  God  has  seemed  to  be  with  us,  to 
soften  our  hearts  and  to  hear  our  prayers.  Almost  every 
circumstance  among  us  seems  uncommonly  favorable  to 
our  meeting.    May  the  Lord  send  us  prosperity. 

"2  o'clock.  Alas,  how  soon,  in  a  moment  even,  the 
Lord  can  dash  the  strongest  hopes  !  We  have  found 
that  the  immense  pressure  of  snow  on  the  root  of  our 
church,  has  pressed  it  in,  so  that  the  whole  building  was 
nigh  falling  to  pieces.  SVe  cannot  now  use  it  for  our 
meetincr.  We  shall  have  to  delay  our  meeting  nil  we 
can  rep'air  it,  and  perhaps  entirely.  This  is  tu  me  a  sore 
disappointment.    O,  that  God  may  prepare  me  for  ah  his 

holy  will. 

Evenin.<r.  A  full  meeting  this  evening  in  our  lecture 
room.  I  greatly  failed  in  my  part,  by  changing  the  sub- 
ject of  my  discourse.  Had  only  a  very  little  liberty  m 
preaching.  My  cousin,  Lemuel  Covell,  from  Athens, 
followed  me  in  some  very  appropriate  and  solemn  re- 
marks. A  good  impression  was  finally  left  on  the  meet- 
ing. O,  that  God  in  mercy  may  appear  among  us,  and 
direct  us  in  these  trying  circumstances." 

"28.  Brother  Brown  has  arrived  to-day,  from  Augus- 
ta, to  help  us  in  our  protracted  meeting.  I  regret  that 
we  are  in  circumstances  so  unfavorable  to  it.  This 
evening  we  had  a  solemn  meeting,  but  there  is  an  im- 
pression abroad  that  our  meeting  is  not  going  on,  and 
that,  we  are  to  have  none,  so  that  we  cannot  do  much 

good." 

«  30  We  have  resolved  to  go  on  with  our  meeting. 
Some  'interest  in  it  already.  One  or  two  conversioas- 
more  inquiries." 


ALAN80N    L.    C  0  V  E  L  L. 


157 


"February  3.    Our  meeting  is  progressing  wiih  deep 

"9  Our  protracted  meeting  has  closed.  My  dear 
fnend  and  brother,  Mr.  Brown,  is  to  preach  his  last  ser- 
mon  this  evenmg.  It  is  a  great  trial  to  me  to  pact  with 
•m  so  soon;  but  the  will  of  the  Lord  he  done.  His 
hbors  have  been  much  blessed.  Several  are  rejoicing  in 
hope,  and  a  greater  number  are  in  deep  anxiety  for  their 
soul  s  salvation.  O,  may  the  work  of  tho  Lord  continue. 
I  am  sensible  that  a  very  great  responsibility  rests  upon 
me,  in  the  present  state  of  our  congregation.  O  Lord  I 
pray  thee,  prepare  me  to  meet  it." 

"14.     Thi.  has   been  a  good  day.    In  the  morning  I 
felt  exceedm:?ly  depressed,  and  feared  I  was  going  to 
have  a  cold,  barren  season;  but  when  arrived  at  meeting, 
found  some  liberty  in  prayer,  and  had  some  assistance  in 
preaching  on  christian  baptism.    At  noon  baptized  11 
willing  converts.     In  the  afternoon   had  a  very  good  de- 
gree of  liberty  in  preaching  on  the  blessedness  of  par- 
doned sinners.     This  evening  preached  on  pressing  into 
the  kingdom  of  God.     At  the  close  about  a  dozen  came 
forward  for  prayer-some  who  had  never  been  before  — 
One  man  came  who  had  been  convinced  by  the  morniucr 
sermon,  of  the  propriety  of  immersion  as  the  only   bap"- 
tism.    On  tlie  whole,  I  mean  to  thank  God  and  take 
courage.     O,  that  I  may  feel  his  love  in  my  heart  sweet- 
ly  constraining  me  to  duty." 

"19.  Have  been  absent  two  days,  to  accompany  my 
dear  companion  on  a  journey  to  her  father's.  Have  had 
a  very  tedious  journey,  and  returned  sick  from  fatigue 
and  excessive  cold.  While  I  have  been  absent  the  work 
of  the  Lord  has  gone  on.  Two  or  three  have  found 
peace  m  believing.  Our  meetings  ave  still  solemn  and 
interesting.  We  are  going  to  send  for  a  brother  to  come 
and  preach  for  us  every  evenina  next  wppV     o  ^  ^-^  ^ 


15B 


M  EMOin     OP 


pray  ihee  -rant  thy  blessing  to  attend  this  enort  to  serve 
thee  Incline  binncrs  lo  attend  our  meeling-lhy  people 
to  pray ;  and  may  thine  own  good  work  move  steadily 
and  gloriously  onward." 

«'27.  This  ha%  been  a  good  week  with  us.  Brother 
Powell  has  preached  every  evening.  The  work  of  con- 
viction and  conversion  has  been  constantly  going  on.- 
Several  are  now  rejoicing  in  hope,  who  a  week  since 
were  far  fioni  rishleousness.     To  God  be  all  the  glory. 

"March  2.  In  the  mercy  of  God,  the  work  of  salva- 
lion  still  goes  on  among  us.  Several  are  seeking  God, 
and  others  are  coming  out  to  own  their  Lord.'' 

«5  God  is  still  with  us.  Twenty-two  now  stand  as 
candidates  for  baptism.    Brother  Powell  is  still  preaching 

with  us."  ,^       ,   L    .1 

A  confession,  and  a  prayer  for  himself  and  brother 

Powell  close  the  record  of  this  date. 

««9  Brother  Powell  has  left.  He  has  been  a  blessing 
to  us.    O  Lord,  I  now  look  to  thee  for  help  and  strength. 

"  10.  Have  found  enjoyment  to-day  in  prayer,  also  in 
commencing  a  sermon,  and  in  reading  Dr.  Cox's  address 
to  young  ministers.  O  that  I  may  be  enabled  lo  live  in 
continual  communion  wiili  God." 

"  11  For  more  than  a  year  past,  I  have  thought  very 
much  of  a  formal,  written,  and  full  dedication  ol  person, 
interest  life,  and  all-,  to  the  will  and  glory  of  God.- 
S  ch  an  t'of  entir^  consecration  to  God  appears  to  me 
no.  only  proper  and  reasonable,  but  really  "eeessary  an 
binding'  'l  know  that  whatever  I  am,  as  -  -  e'  S 
and  immortal  being,  God  has  made  me  A  I  1  possess 
and  enjoy,  he  has  given  me.    How  indebted  I  am  to  h.m 

or  the  pat  and  the  present-how  perfectly   depen  en 
t  all  'the  future.    I  can  never  brea'he  a..n  — 
him-never  use  any  power  oi  mmu  or  uudv  wittiou.  m 


ALAN80N    L.    COVfiLL. 


159 


assistance-can  never  again  see  my  friends  without  his 
permission-can  have  no  enjo/mont  in  this  life,  or  hope 
for  the  next,  except  what  he  shall  give  me.     How  per- 
fectly dependent.    And  at  the  same  time  how  entirely 
unworthy.     I  have  rendered   inyssclf  unworthy  of  the 
least  of  all  his  favors.     O,  how  justly  and  entirely  am  I 
cut  off  from  any  claim  to  his  kind  regard,  and  from  any 
hope  of  it,  should  he  enter  into  judgaient  with  me.    And 
yet  he  so  'ielighteth  in  mercy,  that  he  is  doing  great 
things  for  me,  and  is  daily  bestowin^r  upon  me  favors  of 
unspeakable  value.    My  soul  he  has  spared,  and  I  hum- 
bly  hjpe   has   eternally   redeemed   from  destruction.— 
What  amazing  mercy  God  has  shov.  n  me.    He  has,  too, 
preserved  my  life,  exempted  me  from  suffei  in-r  and  want, 
which  thousands  around  me  are  enduring      ,d  h  r>  given 
me  all  things  richly  to  enjoy.    He  has  i  ;von  me     iends 
and  relatives,  who  love  and  treat  me  wM;  the  g  ?atest 
terderness..    Ho  has  given  me  the  confident    ot  many  of 
his  own  people,  who  aid  all  my  endeavors,  and  supply 
liberally  all  my  wants.    He  has  given  me  all  f  *zm/,'and 
almost  everything  I  desire  in   this  world.     Though   I 
have  many  embarrassments  to  suffer,  and  difficulties  to 
meet,  still  I  can  see  that  they  are  all  needed  tp  chasten 
and  humble  my  proud  spirit,  and  1  can  hardly  say  I  wish 
them  less.    He  is  giving  me  every  means  of  becoming 
holy— is  increasing  my  opportunities  and  means  of  doing 
good,  and  has  opened  every  source  of  religious  enjoy- 
ment.    O,  how  much  God  is  doing  for  me !    When  I 
think  of  this,  I   see  how  necessary  it  is  that  I  should 
dedicate  my  all  to  God.    And  how  small  an  offering  it  is. 
Myself  am  nothing  in  comparison  with  his  great  mercies; 
and  besides  T  am  all  sin  and  vileness  in  his  sight.    By 
astonishing  grace  and  power,  he  must  cleanse  and  sanc- 
tify, before  he  can  accept  me,  and  even  were  I  holy,  1  am 
his  own.    1  have  nothing,  nothing  to  give.    O  my  God, 
thou  art  all  aad  in  all,     I  have  nolhin"  bat  the  affections 


M   f 


^"*i 


160 


MEMOIR  or 


of  ray  heart  and  the  purposes  of  my  will  to  offer  thee.- 
O  ray  God,  1  seek  it  as  an  infinite  favor  to  be  accepted 

of  thee.  . 

There  are  some  passages  of  scripture,  which  seem  to 
rae  to  render  it  proper  in  itself,  and  acceptable  to  God,  to 
raake  a  formal  and  personal  dedication  of  all  to  him. 
"Incline  your  ear,  and  come  unto  me;  hear  and  youi 
soul  shall  live  ;  and  I  will  make  an  everlasting  covenant 
with  you,  even  the  sure  mercies  of  David."    Here  God 
promises  on  hi.  part,  to  enter  into  a  solemn  and  perpetu- 
al covenant  with  those  who  come  to  him  through  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.    It  seems  to  me  therefore  to  be  right 
in  itself,  and  pleasing  in  the  sight  of  God,  for  any  who 
do  incline  their  ear  and  come  to  him,  to  make  the  most 
solemn  and  entire  devotion  of  themselves   to  God,  and 
to  enter  into  a  covenant  with  him,  engaging,  by  his  grace 
and  by  his  strength,  to  live  in  all  things  agreeably  to  his 
holy  ^ill,  humbly  and  penitently  craving  his  forgivness, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  of  all  that  may  be  sinful  or  imper- 
feet  in  the  act  of  consecration.    Influenced  by  these  con- 
siderations, 1  do  sincerely  desire  to  consecrate  myself 
and  my  all  to  God.    I  have  however  many  fears  in  so 
doing     Iknow  lam  still  very  sinful,  my  heart  is  far 
from  being  wholly  right.    I  know  that  even  this  solemn 
uansactio^nmust  be  imperfect  and  stained  with  sin  u^ 
ness.    I  have  no  hope  of  being  approved  and  blessed  m 
it,  only  through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord  and  Savior.    0 
God,  I  feel  that  I  have  no  strength  of  my  own.    I  pray 
Thee  guide  me  and  keep  me,  that  I  may  not  offend  an 
.rieve  thee.    1  do  not  take  upon  my  soul  a  vow  of  entire 
Consecration  to  God,  because  i  think  I  have  made  great 
aua  nments  in  holiness,  noi  because  I  think  I  have  pro- 
gre  seTso  far  in  the  divine  life,  as  many  eminent  sain  s 
who  have  taken  this  measure,  and  have  been  greatly 
wLd  a  it.    U  no,  I  am  sensible  that  I  am  the  least 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


161 


prepared  of  any  who  have  entered  upon  this  holy  ground. 
I  have  most  to  fear  from  myself,  and  most  to  seek  from 
God,  of  any  who  have  thus  adventured.  O  that  I  may 
have  grace  given  me  to  live  hereafter  entirely  for  God. 

But  I  am  through  with  detailing  in  part  my  reflections 
on  this  most  solemn  duty.  Imperfect  as  I  know  all  this 
must  be,  darkened  and  sinful  as  I  still  am,  I  will  endeav- 
or by  the  assistance  of  divine  grace,  which  I  here  most 
humbly  crave,  to  make  the  following  confession,  acknowl- 
edgement, and  consecration,  in  the  honesty  of  my  heart 
and  in  the  fear  of  God  ;  and  will  endeavor  lo  live  a^-ree- 
ably  to  it  hereafter.  And  0  my  God  I  pray  thee  forgive 
whatever  thou  shall  see  that  is  wrong  in  this  transaction. 

CONFESSrOx\. 

O  God,  the  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost,  Creator  and 
Upholder  of  all  things,  Supreme  Ruler,  and  final  Judgf 
of  men,  I  pray  thee,  give  ear  to  this  confession  of  my 
sins.  1st.  I  acknowledge  with  shame  to  thee,  O  Lord, 
that  in  my  childhood,  I  was  exceedingly  perverse  and 
wicked.  It  pleased  thee  to  take  my  praying  father  to 
thyself,  before  my  remembrance;  yet  in  infancy  I  was 
the  subject  of  his  prayers,  and  in  his  death  he  offered  to 
thee  his  supplications  in  my  behalf.  When  he  was  gone 
it  pleased  thee  to  spare  to  me  my  praying  godly  mother, 
who  watched  over  me,  checked  and  restrained  my  way- 
wardness, and  incessantly  besought  thy  mercy  in  my 
behalf.  Thou  gavest  me  other  friends  who  did  not  fail 
to  instruct  me  and  pray  for  me ;  but  in  spite  of  all  these 
thy  great  mercies  to  me,  I  was  a  very  wicked  child,  and 
it  was  owing  to  thy  preventing  grace,  that  I  was  not 
hurried  into  open  and  outbreaking  wickedness,  and  that  I 
did  not  finish  my  career  in  disgrace  and  ruin,  as  many 
others  have  done.  My  wicked  soul  would  have  gone  to 
any  length  in  sin,  had  not  thy  grace  restrained.  I  do 
bless  and  praise  thy  hand  that  held  me  back  from  de- 


162 


MEMOIR     OP 


struction.  I  was  far  advanced  in  sin,  and  in  a  stubborn 
unyielding  temper,  before  I  was  ten  years  of  age.  0 
Lord,  I  pray  thee  that  the  wickedness  of  that  part  of  my 
Jife,  to  which  I  now  look  back  witi^ regret  and  sorrow, 
may  not  be  remembered  against  me.  O  may  it  be  for 
Jesus' sake  forgiven. 

2.  When  ten  years  old,  thou,  O  Lord,  didst  by  the 
second  marriage  of  my  mother,  give  me  another  father, 
and  I  was  in  thy  providence  removed  far  away  from  all 
my  former  sinful  associates  and  temptations.    By  thai 
removal  I  was  placed  in  circumstances,  which  saved  me 
from  all  the  vices  and  dangers  to  which  I  had  been  ex- 
posed.   I  v\as  placed  in  a  situation  to  become  industri- 
ous, moral,  and  even  pious,  had  I  yielded  to  the  kind"- 
Here  closes  the  record  of  this  date.    Probably  he  was 
suddenly  interrupted  and  hindered  from  proceeding  at  the 
time,  and  from  the  press  of  labor  and  consequent  exhaust- 
ion, he  might  never  have  found  opportunity  to  fill  out  the 
original  design;  or,  as  the  article  is  written  on  pages  not 
connected  wiih  the  diary,  it  might  have  been  afterward 
completed,  the  papers  misplaced,  and  thus  have  failed  of 
coming  into  the  compiler's  hand.    It  is  worthy  of  note, 
however,  that  a  former  review,  transcribed  in  the  earlier 
part  of  this  journal,  commences  sufficiently  near  where 
this  br€ak3  pff,  to  show  his  own  view  of  his  entire  course. 
Ever  severe  toward  himself,  ever  lenient  to  all  others. 

"  Albany,  Monday  morning,  March  14, 1836. 
My  dear  Sarah :— I  sit  down  once  more  to  give  you  a 
iew  lines,  that  you  may  know  how  I  am  getting  along 
here,  and  with  the  hope  that  you  will  lake  the  hint  from 
it,  to  write  more  frequently,  as  this  is  my  fourth,  though 
I  have  received  only  two  from  you.  Except  a  slight 
cold,  I  have  bnen  quite  well  since  my  last.  I  have  how- 
ever been  incessantly  engaged  in  visiting  and  in  meet- 
ings and  begin  to  feel  somewhat  the  eifecis  of  it.    Our 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL,  jgj 

revival  still  continues     Yf.«tot.,io» 

iiujues.     ^esterdaywasaverv  nterestjntr 

been  with  us.     VVe  went  ,„to  our  house  (or  Ihe  first  lime 
I.  looks  a  great  deal  better  than  ever  before   iTut 
much  easter  speaking  i„  i,.    Our  assembly  Z  w,  '  " 
.he  t^orntn,.  than  any  ,i„,e  since  ,ve  'can      hef       I 
preached  from  Ps.  xxvii,  4.    A  kintl  of  r»  r    ,• 
mon.    At  2  o'clock  we  had  baptil  "^         ?"°"  '"" 
of  people  I  have  ne.er  seen  a',t:,ra  ^:^X:  '^^ 
nook  and  corner  of  the  galleries  were  filled  wi.hplol 
and  every  seat  below,  besides  as  many  a,  could  s  and 
aroand  the  baptistry.    All  were  siil,  Ld   a.iemive-^ 
P..ne  men  and  sixteen  women  (25  in  ail)  were  bapti.;d 
They  were  on  so^e  accounts  an  interesting  gro'r  All' 
ages  were  found  among  ihera,  from  15  yea^  up  ,o  70- 
They  were  from  sece,,  diiftrent  nadons-Eo-vli^l    Jlu 
Welch,  Irish,  French,  Dutch  and  AmerU.:;    ''Th retof 

them  had  been  Presbyterian,,  two  or  three  Eni=cor,alians 
.wo  Methodists,  five  or  six  had  be.i  UniveLalit    a„d 
one,  the  most  mlere.ling  conversion  among  then    had 
been  a  Roman  Catholic.    He  is  a  PrencLm.;,  w  1  edu- 
cated, and  laiended  origin:>lly  for  a  Gatholie  Prie-t     He 
became  disgusted  with  Roman  Ca.holics  ar.d  with  reli 
gioa  itself-left  Caneda  and  came  into  the  S'a',-s     He 
has  resided  in  this  city  several  years,  is  a  drapei  and 
aad  tailor,  and  has  a  family,  but  has  been  v^ry  profane 
and  a  scoffer  at  Christ  and  christians.    Yesterday  week' 
he  was  awakened  by  a  sermon  which  I  preachod  from' 
I  ese  words:  "!f  the  righteous  scarcely  be  .aved,  where 
hall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner  appear.?"    He  ob  ained 
hope  on  Wednesday,  related  his  experience  on  Fridav 
and  was  baptized  on  Sunday.    This   was  a  little  like 
apostolic  times.    He  has  beeu  so  happy  he  could  hardiv 
eoDtaitt  himself.  ' 

You  will  be  perhaps  surprised  to  hear  that  A.  wa» 

■t  t 


164 


MEMOIR    or 


immersed  ia  the  "Tub"  she  has  made  so  much  derisioii 
T    She  is  as  strong  in  favor  of  the  Baptists  now  as  she 
^s'ed  to  be  against  them.    After  baptis-n jre  had  com- 
rounion.    Twenty-eight  received  the  right  hand  of  feU 
lowshiD     This  makes   forty-eight  received  since   the 
fo"    'January.    Fourteen  by  letter.    The  work  I  hope 
wl    not  stop  yet.      Three  persons  came  forward   o, 
prayer  last  evening  who  had  never  done  so  before     Oth- 
ers  are  known  to  be  much  awakened     I  should  think 
Tere  are  as  many  as  ten  or  twelve  who  have  ahead, 
obtained  hopes,  and  will  soon  join  .he  church    making 
about  50  who  have  turned  to  God  in  this  revival.    A 1 
L  most  interesting  part  of  it  has  been  since  you  left. 
1  hope  it  will  continue  till  you  return.    Do  not  cease  ,o 
Lav  for  us.    I  have  been  trying  of  late  to  be  more  prayer- 
ful and  to  have  more  religion  in  daUy,  constant  exercise. 
I  do  not  succeed  very  well,  and  yet  I  can  truly  say  that 
LZlimes  I  find  prayer  and  reading  the  Scriptures  to 
TeTery  profitable.    B^t  O  how  far  I  am  still  from  .  true 
and  saving  conformity  to  God.  .,.,«. 

Remember  me,  dearest  one,  and  receive  the  best  affec- 

.  .  *  A.  L.  COVELL. 

tions  of  my  heart. 
Mrs  S  J.  VV.  Covell. 
Returniag  to  the  journal,  we  commence  with  the  same 

^^^M4  This  day  begins  the  twelfth  year  of  my  minis- 
try O  how  much  of  the  past  eleven  years  has  beea 
sDent  in  vain.  God  being  my  helper,  I  mean  to  be  more 
faithful  hereafter.  For  the  past  two  years  I  have  tried 
to  be  more  devoted  to  God  than  ever  before,  and  God  has 
evidently  blessed  my  ministry  more  than  in  all  the  nine 
vears  preceding.  Of  late  my  desires  and  my  determina- 
Lns  t^  be  still  more  active  have  been  much  increased, 
.ndlhave  never  known  as  many  sinners  awakened  ts 
!?late.    O  my  God,  help  me  to  maintain  my  consecra- 


♦inn 


tVthPe.  and  serve  thee  faithfully  till  I  die." 


ALANSON    L.    COVfiLL. 


165 


Extract  from  a  letter  to  his  sister  Wolcott: 

.  "^^*«wy,  March  24,  1836. 

•hat  your  firs,  born,  .hen  a  playful  infant,  Uno^^"!'! 
a  man?  Yet  so  i,  is.  Days,  months,  vears  have  pird 
swiftly  on,  and  have  borne  us  far  on  our  way  to  etemUy  • 
how  soon  W.U  our  race  be  run!  how  soon  shall  we  all 
review  the  «,AoZe  of  a  short  life,  either  on  a  dying  be  " 
or  amidst  the  opening  scenes  of  another  state!  How 
pleasmg  to  reflect,  my  dear  sister,  that  no  chan.-e  or 
event  in  life,  efl-aces  in  any  measure,  the  warm  affe°ction 
w  ich  has  formed  so  much  of  the  happiness  of  our  e 
The  Sabbath  after  I  wrote  you  las.  was  an  interestbe; 

ay  to  us.    In  the  afternoon  twenty-five  persons  v^^,: 
baptized.    On  some  accounts,  they  were  the  most  inter! 
esting  compaLy  of  believers  I  have  ever  led  into  the 
baptismal  waters.    The  eldest  was  a  man  about  70    the 
youngest  were  two  young  ladies  aged  about  15.    A^ong 
hem  were  the  descendants  of  seven  difi'erent  natior!! 
It  was  to  me  a  striking  coincidence  with  the  ereat  com 
mission  under  which  I  was  acting.    "Go  teach  aUnt 
.tons  baptizing  them,"  &c.    They  had  previously  bee„ 
of  djrerea.  religious  opinions;  but  all  now  seemed  of  on" 
heart  and  one  mind." 

Had  no  liberty  either  of  thought  or  expression  wWk 
preaching,  perhaps  a  little  good  has  been  done;  one 
brother  was  greatly  comforted  in  the  mornins-  and  on! 
man  With  bis  family  who  has  been  nnsettlef  about  at 

11* 


ms 


MEMOIR    or 


« Anril  I  This  week  I  have  visited  31  families. 
Have  not  taken  so  much  lime  for  reflection  and  prayer  as 
iooght,  or  fonhe  preparation  oilhe  Sabbath;  but  God  I 

hope  has  not  -Iv-lly  left  me." 
Extracts  from  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Covell  of  the  same  datet 
"  Our  revival  may  be  said  to  have  nearly  subsided.    I 
feat  it  is  greatly   cving  to  me.     I  have  vistted  and 
preached  and  prayed,  as  much,,  and  oftener  more  t^ran  T 
ou.ht ;  but  O  how  little  of  Christ  is  in  i..    I  am  trying 
■to  improve,  but  I  maVe  but  little  progress.    Ye    I  dc 
Iwholy  d,.pair.     Though  frequently  "cast     own," 
TdoTiope  I  an,  Lot  utterly  "  forsaken."    Do  pray  fo,  me ; 
I  .rv  f,  pray  for  you.    I  hope  yo»  rn :.:ke  every  thing  bend 
,0  h.^  .'oat  work  of  sah-ation  in  your  soul.    I  fear  T  have 
pr,yed'u.ore  lor  your  liea!;!,,  than  for  your  sanctih.a!.,..n. 
But  1  have  not  b,..  n  indirlerent  to  either.    I  se.  everj, 
day  how  imporiar    it  U,  above  everyihing  else,  that  bot,i 
of  us  sl.ould  be  r?  .Uv, 'Jfcidcdlv,  and  eminently  holy, 
i„  order  to  do  any  go..*  here.    Nothing  short  o  wi..,om 
and  "race  fron.  o.r  high  will  inspire  us  wiih  that  imn- 
ness^ad  coura?o  which  are  indispensable  to  sustam  »s 
iuouv  P'-eseiU  posltiorr.    God  will  give  us  all  nee«..l 
crace  if  vve  truly  ask  him. 

Mrs.  M.  sends  love  to  you-thinks  you  have  marvel- 
lous laci  in  leLter-wrinng-lceU  very  diffiaent  m  writing 
tovou.  SoYcu  are  both  vastly  raodest,  and  I  suppose 
feel  "unworthv"  to  write  to  each  other. 

Tell  our  folks  not  to  load  a  boat  with  provisions  to 
send  on  here,  becau.se  we  are  going  to  have  them  boar 
with  us,  .nd  not  we  wiih  thein.*  Tell  them  to  sell 
evev.-  thing  they  can,  and  not  feel  at  all  dependent  on  us, 
for  we  ovv'o  them  more  than  we  can  ever  pay;  besides 
claiming  the  pnvilese  this  once  to  show  them  that  we 
.arenot^narateful.     I  tlm^iljv^ar^^ 

''^{in^'^^H^ociod  visU  oTliilcii^^n^'^"^^  and  sU- 
ter. 


ALANSOM     L.    COVELL. 


167 


have  a  pleasant  summer.  Let  us  pray  that  God  will 
grant  us  all  health  and  domestic  happiness.  This  will 
perhaps  be  the  only  season  we  shall  all  be  permitted  to 
spend  together.  I  hope  it  may  be  the  means  of  making 
us  more  useful  and  belter  prepared  for  her.ven.  Give 
my  love  to  our  little  Elmira,  and  tell  her  she  must  be  a 
l^ood  girl  and  mind  mother,  and  then  father  will  love 
uer,  an  J  give  her  '^someping." 

-A  ccc-pt  once  more  my  sincere  and  warm  affection, 

A.  L.  CoVELL." 

"Aprils.  Sabbath.  In  the  morning  had  some  lib- 
erty in  preaching.  The  attention  of  the  people— and 
hope  the  service  was  not  in  vain.  I  have  long  observed 
that  I  am  blessed  in  the  labors  of  the  Sabbath,  very  much 
m  proportion  to  my  devotion  to  God  through  the  week. 
When  I  pray  most  I  preach  best;  I  have  the  best  state 
of  feeling  in  my  own  soul;  people  give  the  best  atten- 
tion ;  and  the  word  takes  the  deepest  effect.  J  am  there- 
fore resolved  to  pray  more  for  God's  special  presence  in 
preaching  his  word. 

In  the  afternoon  baptized  six  happy  believers.  A  very 
pleasant  and  solemn  season.  Administered  the  Lord's 
supper  to  nearly  all  our  members."  [If  I  have  beea 
rightly  informed,  there  v/ere  over  three  hundred.]  "  This 
too  was  solemn  and  impressive.  An  interesting  meet- 
ing in  the  evening.  I  bless  thee,  O  my  C-jd,  for  this 
day,  prepare  me,  I  pray  thee,  to  make  a  right  improve- 
naent  of  all  thy  mercies." 

^'Albany,  A^n\  10,  1836. 
My  dear  Sarah  r—Your  last,  most  welcome  letter  was 
received  yesterday  at  intermission.  It  was  a  great  relief 
to  me,  as  I  had  been  wailing  so  long:  for  it  that  I  really 
thought  it  certain  you  was  sick.  I  bless  God  that  you 
are  not  clear  down,  and  hope  he  may  give  you  health. 


168 


MEMOIR     OF 


Yesterday  was  on  some  accounts  a  very  favorable 
Sabbath  to  us.  In  the  morning  we  had  a  very  hard  rain 
just  at  the  time  of  going  to  church.  Still  we  had  a 
pretty  good  attendance.  I  preached  from  the  words: 
"  God  is  angry  with  the  wicked  every  day."  Had  nearly 
common  liberty  in  utterance.  In  the  afternoon  it  was 
quite  clear,  and  our  house  was  well  filled.  My  text  was, 
Ps.  ii,  12.  Had  much  greater  freedom  in  speaking  than 
ever  before  in  this  church.  The  assembly  was  very  still 
and  solemn.  Whether  any  good  was  done  or  not,  I  do 
not  know.  In  the  evening  our  lecture  room  was  crowded 
full.  Indeed  it  has  been  so  of  late,  that  we  have  fre- 
quently to  put  those  extra  seats  along  in  the  aisles.  I 
lectured,  rather  talked,  upon  the  parable  of  the  barren 
fig-tree,  and  tried  to  throw  it  right  into  the  face  of  every 
one  as  hard  as  possible.  All  was  very  still.  When  I 
closed,  three  of  the  members  prayed.  T  wo  young  ladies 
were  on  the  anxious  seat.  One  man  whose  wife  was 
baptized  the  Sabbath  before,  was  much  aflfected. 

I  have  run  on  with  this  sketch  of  yesterday,  suppos- 
ing you  would  like  to  hear  the  minutia  of  things,  when  I 
have  nothing  else  to  write.  But  I  have  been  making 
many  reflections  for  myself  upon  the  day.  I  have  for 
several  Sabbaths  before  been  shut  up,  and  in  great  dark- 
ness in  preaching  the  word.  It  has  distressed  me  ex- 
ceedingly. I  have  prayed,  and  meditated  more  than  ever 
before,  to  find  the  cause.  I  have  been  able  to  trace  it  to 
nothing  but  my  own  selfish  desire  of  being  esteemed;  of 
gathering  a  congregation;  and  of  having  the  name  of 
building  up  a  great  church.  I  have  thought  often  I 
would  willingly  suffer  anything  to  be  freed  ffrom  this 
"accursed  self-seeking."  I  thought  if  God  would  only 
enable  me  to  preach  his  word  with  clearness  and  force, 
it  would  be  all  I  would  ask.  In  a  very  small  degree  ray 
desires  were  granted.    But  alas!  instead  of  its  having 


ALANSON    h.    OOVELL. 


160 


done  me  any  good  (however  it  may  others,)  it  has  only 
opened  to  me  the  other  side  of  my  heart,  equally  selfish 
and  odious  as  that  I  had  before  seen.    I  was  forced  to 
hear  a  good  many  commendations  of  my  sermon.    The 
effect  upon  my  selfish  heart  I  saw  at  once  was  very  bad. 
I  could  not  help  feeling  gratified  that  a  favorable  impress- 
ion had  been  made,  and  ihat  many  of  the  strangers  who 
were  in,  would  come  again.     In  a  word,  I  fear  that  I  felt 
more  glad  to  increase  my  own  reputation,  than  to  glorify 
Christ;  more  anxious  to  secure  hearers,   than  to  save 
souls.    And  I  fear  too  that  almost  the  only  effect  pro- 
duced upon  ihe  church  was,  to  make  them  think,  "well 
this  is  what  Ave  want— this  will  fill  our  house,"  &c.— 
You  know  all  this  would  be  natural,  especially  here. 
Indeed  the  same  thing  was  said  to  my  very  face!    Peo- 
ple here  you  know  are  too  much  too  prone  to  fondle,  and 
flatter  and  puff  their  ministers.    On  the  whole,  I  am  al- 
most as  sick  of  preaching  freely,  and  feeling  entirely  at 
liberty,  as  I  am  afraid,  when  all  in  the  dark.    I  believe 
the  heart  is  deceitful  above  all  thin^-s  and  dcspehljiiy 
wicked.    It  lakes  the  Lord  nearly  all  the  time  with  tfs, 
to  afliict,  disappoint  and  humble  us  enough  to  prepare  us 
to  do  a  little  good  once  in  a  while.     O,  my  dear,  pray  for 
me,  that  I  may  become  more  holy.    When  could  the 
world  ever  be  converted,  if  all  ministers  were  like  me? 
I  hope  you  my  dear  are  progressing  in  holiness.    I  am 
sorry  you  have  such  depression  of  spirits  as  you  speak 
of.    You  apprehend,  I  am  sure,  more  evil  than  you  need 
to.    I  have  no  doubt  you  will  succeed  in  your  place  here, 
much  better  than  you  anticipate.    Be  assured  you  hare 
my  daily  prayers. 

Receive  once  more  my  whole  heart,    • 


Mrs.  S.  J.  W.  Covell." 


A.  L.  CoTEm. 


170 


MEMOIR     or 


"April  15.  Have,  I  flunk,  some  access  to  God  io 
prayer.  Find  it  good  to  draw  near  unio  him.  laLo  thinis 
he  has  done  much  fur  me,  since  I* began  to  seek  his 
grace  to  sanctify  and  bless  me  in  a  more  eminent  degree. 
O  Lord,  I  pray  thee  continue  to  me  thy  Holy  Spirit,  until 
all  my  sins  vshall  be  put  off,  and  till  I  shall  serve  and 
glorify  thee  with  a  perfect  heart  and  a  williu^^  mind.^ 

.1('6<^/i-,^,  April  19,  1836. 
My  dear  uiece:— Your  letter  was  received  this  even- 
ing, and  has  afforded  nir   great   pleasure.     I   had  long, 
very  long,  been  anxious,  and  very  anxiou;?,  to  hear  from 
you  all.     Assure  your  u  )ther  that  slie  has  been  much  on 
my  mind  for  two  or  three  weeks  past.    T   ,   u'  '      ot  tell 
why  it  was,  but  I  have  ofien  been  impressed  in  mind  to 
pray  for  her,  not  knowing  any  thing  of  her  situation.    I 
have  prayed  thnt   our   intercourse  and   correspondence 
might  be  opened  again,  and  have  many   times  been  on 
the  point  of  \  riling  her.    Your  letter  has  been  to  me  as 
a  voice  from  heaven.     1  see  the  hand  of  God  in  it,  and 
bless  him  for  it.    Assure  your  mother  that  I  do  most 
tenderly  sympathize  with  her  in  her  affliction,*  and  will 
not  cease  to  pray  daily  for  her  speedy  restoration  to  health. 
Make  my  best  regards  as  acceptable  as  possible,  to  your 
little  brother,-  who  I  suppose  now  absorbs  all  hearts,  and 
fixes  all  eyes  among  you.     I  hope  he  may  prove  a  great 
blessing  to  you  all,  and  to  the  world. 

Dr.  Kendrick  has  made  me  a  call  io-day  on  his  way  (o 
New-York.  He  left  his  family  well  except  Mrs.  K., 
wh(  se  health  has  been  p  or  for  some  tit  past.  There 
has  been  a  great  revival  ojl  religion  in  ilamiliua  this 
winter,  and  your  cousin  Cordelia,  has  embraced  the 
Savior  and  joined  the  cbuich.  Your  a-: at  Julia'  v rote 
me  last  week.  They  are  all  well  except  your  grandma, 
who  had  been  confined  two  weeks  to   Ler  ro^m.  by  a 


*Part  of  which  was  a  rheumatic  affection      tbr 


ght  hand. 


AI.AN80N    L.    COVELI,. 


171 


verr  severe  cold.  Her  ,I,roal  had  been  muoh  swollen 
and  her  kead  much  affcccd.  I  (car  .!,«  wi'l  endu« 
n.a„y  .uch  hard  winicra.  There  had  been  a  ,  ime" 
esting  revival  of  religion  in  CharIo»o  .00  „.d  yoar 
uoc  e  Smkdy,  your  cousin  Clarissa,  ,vi,h  a  :  phero 
your  cnele  &.,  who  l,vc,  will,  hira,  were  all  subicct,  of 
.be  rev.val.    About  30  had  been  'added  .0  ,      Si 

S'jll'"'''"^^^'''"^'"^--''-^^ 

la  my    hurcb  in  ,bis  ciiy,  there  ha,  been  a  very  hai,- 

,y  s  ate  of  .h,„gs  since  I  oarae  a.nong  ,he„,,  wl,    h  wa, 

h    firs,  of  January.     Since  that  ,i„,e  about  GO  (nlber 

have   been  rcccved,  43  by  baptism  the  rest  by  1™   1 

Seven  or  e,g  t  others  will  be  baptized  at  our    ex.  com- 

ZTw'r'"''  '""^'''"""'-'"'ey  r„us.dl,oTo 
saved      We  hope  n.any  more  are  ye.  .0  be  brought  lo 

here,  a  kind  church,  and  a  good  congregation. 

I  hope  this  will  be  rec. .  ved  as  a  family  letter,  bearin.- 
my  best  love  to  you  all.  " 

Vout  affectionate  uncle, 
C.C.Brown.  Alakson  L.  Covelu 

"ajril  21.  M-  time  this  week  has  thus  far  been 
oco  _p,ed  less  pr  ,  Uly  ,),,„  d.ring  the  early  par.  of  las. 
»^ek.  I  have  ..„t  bee  M  i„  bcdy,  and  have  been  low 
aod  languid  ,n  m,„d.  I'c.  i  -.'e  had  some  seasons  of 
enj  vrnent  in  pra   -r." 

":-  .  On  tiie  v/hole,  this  has  not  been  a  very  unnleas- 
ant  or  unprofitalle  week  to  me,  though  it  ins  not  been  a 
we  k  of  so  much  interest  and  usefulness  I  could  de- 
sire Mv  heal-h  has  been  low,  and  my  mi  .  less  active 
ihau  I  .ould  wish  J  still  I  trust  some  degree  of  light  has 
sliont  upon  my  pathway  from  above." 


1 

Mm 

111 

ii 

i'-fl 

H 

um 

jBi 

i^BH 

BaB  ij^^^^H 

179 


MEMOIR     OP 


•'24-Sabbath.  A  pleasant  and  I  hope  profitable  day. 
Had  some  liberty,  and  the  solemn  attention  of  the  audi- 
ence.  while  preaching  fiom  the  words,  "He  went  about 
doinjr  good."  In  the  afternoon  brother  H.nton  preached 
on  christian  hope;  brother  Galusha  in  the  evening,  from 
the  words,  "Rejoice  evermore."" 

«'30-S  turday.  Another  week,  and  another  month 
have  fled.    O  that  I  were  advancing  in  holiness  as  fast 

as  in  life."  .,,    ,  .   ^ 

A  letter  to  his  sister  of  the   .ame  date  will  show,  tha 
he  was  not  only  resolved  to  elevate  his  own  standard  of 
personal  piety,  but  sclicitous  also  that  his  relatives  should 


(( 


)) 


in  grace. 


grow     .-  o 

"My  dear  siste.  -1  want,  in  this  sheet,  to  write  you  a 
Jine  or  two  on  a  subject  which  has  Ion?-  and  deeply  en- 
eaoed  my  thoughts.    It  is  the  great  duly  of  so  walking 
wilh  God  as  to  obtain  "this  testimony  "  that  we  ptoe 
God.    I  have  b.en  made  deeply  to  deplore  my  exceed- 
ingly low  and  defective  attainments  in  the  christian  life. 
When  I  look  into  my   hc:ut  for  true  holiness,  I  can  not 
find  anything  save  a  faint  resemblance  of  it ;  and  even 
u"  s  I  sometimes  fear  is  deceptive.     When  I.  look  at  the 
requirements  of  the  Bible,  I  can  not  find  even  one,  which 
I  have  obeyed  as  I  ought.    If  I  contemplate  the  charac- 
ter of  our  blessed  Lord,  of  his  holy  apostles,  or  any  of  t.ie 
saints  of  the  Bible,  1  can  find  but  very  little  resemblance 
between  myself  and  them.    I  ask  myself,   why  is  it  so 
Surely  these  examples  were  given  to  be  mutated;  and 
God's  injunction  to  be  holy  was  given  to  be  obeyed.- 
These  thoughts  have  greatly  occupied  me  for  one  or  two 
years  past.    I  know  indeed  that  obedience  to  God  is  not 
ihe  ground  of  my  justification,  or  hope.    I  know  that  for 
this  the  blood  and  righteousness  of  Jesus  Christ  alone 
can  avail.     And  1  am  equally  certain,  that  faith  m  Christ, 
if  n  he  according  to  the  scriptures,  must  work  by  love, 


ALANSON    L.    COVBLL.  I73 

inmd,  and  tli.u  1  ),avo  a  strong  aspiration,  for  more  cloar 

Hav,.  we  not  ain.d  a"  atil -n^  o':,;'—.:,  roTr:l 
vital  cxpenenco,  jus.  enousl.  to  be  barely  saved    Ua,, 

atn  sure  tl„s  has  been  too  „,„cl.  , he  ease  wi," 
<lo  de,,re  to  break  away  from  it.    To  ,hro>v  off  e"    ely 
nnd  forever  al   former  habits  of  languor  in  affection  and 
neglurence  ,n  duty.    My  struggles  1  hope  have  no   been 
ent  rely  ,„  va,n      God  ha,,  I  think,  sometimes  quicken  d 
an    revved  my  heart  to  love  and  serve  him.     I  a,^  no 
wnhou    hope,  but  I  am  without  that  degree  of  hoUnes 
w  ,c  ,     destre,  and  which  I  know  .  ougl.t  to  possts  - 
Thus  I  have  gtven  you  a  glanee  at  ,„y  heart  in  this 
ma.ter     I  hope  you  will  write  me  soon  on  this  subje 
and  uilhoui  reserve.  ""jet-i, 

Your  ever  aflectionate  brother, 

Mrs.  S.  C.  Wolcott.  ^'  ^'  ^°^^^^- 

"May  1-Sabbath.  In  the  morning  had  some  liberiv 
.n  preaching  the  word.  People  listened  with  fixed  atten- 
tion. Our  congregation  is  increasing  ever^  Sabbath.- 
Solenm  season  at  baptism,  at  the  table  of  the  Lord,  and 
at  our  evening  prayer-meeting.  May  the  Lord  make  this 
injeresi.ng  day,  the  means  of  awakening  some  poor  Bin- 

"8-Sabbath.    Have  been  absent  the  whole  -eek,  and 


174 


MEMOIR   OP 


■''"^M-- 

••3? 


only  arrived  this  morninjr  from  a  very  fati5i;ning  journey. 
Ift  the  morning,  brother  Hutchinson  from  Newton  preach- 
ed for  me;  in  the  afternoon,  b  athpr  Walker,  and  in  the 
evening,  brother  Dean.  It  has  been  a  very  great  relief 
10  have  these  brethren  occupy  the  pulpit."  | 

"15— Sabbath.  Another  v/ocIj  has  fled.  1  have  been 
moving  my  family,  and  we  have  all  been  in  great  con- 
fusion, and  have  been  very  much  fatigued.  On  Wednes- 
day went  to  New-York  to  attend  the  Anniversaries. 
Took  a  violent  cold  on  my  way-became  so  hoarse  as  to 
be  unable  to  speak  above  a  whisper.  Since  my  return,  I 
have  been  taking  medicine,  and  to-day  am  not  able  to  go 
out.  Brother  Burrows  from  Nevv-York  preaches  for  me. 
O,  how  different  my  situation  from  what  I  expected." 
"22-Sabbath.     Have  been  so  far  recovered  from  my 

1  „o  fr>  nrmph      ^i('e  tO'dav.     Blessed  hi  God 

hoarseness  as  to  prcacn    .will   lu  u..y.  ,-  r     u 

that  he  has  not  turned  away  my  prayer  for  relict.  He 
has  in  great  mercv  restored  me  almost  to  my  usual 
health,  and  has  granted  me  as  I  trust,  some  degree  o 
holy  consolation  and  hope.  1  feel  somewhat  renewed 
and  ref.eshed  in  mind,  but  am  still  far  from  enjoying 
that  perfect  love  that  castelh  out  fear.  This  1  de.ire  to 
attain,  and  mean  by  the  grace  of  God  to  seek  after. 

"28— Saturday.  Six  days  more  have  passed  av;ay.- 
My  health  has  been  poor.  Two  or  three  days  havjbeeii 
very  damp  and  rainy,  so  that  I  could  not  be  out.  An 
unusual  amount  of  domestic  cars  has  been  upon  my 
mind  and  hands,  so  that  I  hav.  not  accomplished  much 
for  the  cause  of  my  Master,  or  for  the  improvement  of  my 
own  soul.  At  the  close  of  the  meeting  on  Sabbath  last, 
I  felt  very  happy,  and  even  thought  I  had  begun  to  real- 
ize some  degree  of  the  blessing  1  had  been  se^king- 
acceptance  with  God,  through  faith  in  th3  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.     But  I  did  not  improve  the  gracious  iniluence  as 


-jL. 


T        — m-  J. 


T  -.,flr^r^ji  iUa  niAacino-  imnressiou  to  die  SAvay, 


ALANSON    L.    C  0  V  E  L  L. 


175 


and  my  mind  to  become  filled  with  anxieties  for  this  life. 
In  consequence  I  have  been  in  a  low  and  languid  frame' 
of  mind  this  whole  week.    I  have  seen  and  deplored  my 
error.    May  the  Lord  forgive  me  this,  which  I  do  feel  to 
be  a  great  sin.     The  week  however  has  not  been  entire- 
ly  without   profit.      I  have  derived  some  benefit  from 
the  study  of  the  scriptures  and  from  o:her  reading— have 
had  a  few  pleasant  seasons  in  pra/er-at.d  some'medita- 
tions  have  been  profitable.    In  particular  I  have  been  led 
to  see  the  necessity  of  placing  distinctly  before  me  the 
various  objects  for  which  I  live  and  labor,  and  of  fixing 
definitely  on   the  means  I  am  to  employ  lo  accomplish 
the  objects  I  have  in  view.     I  believe  ii  this  is  done 
properly,  it  wi!i  be  a  great  means  of  rendering  ray  life  a 
blessing  to  myself  and   others.     The.e   great  ends  for 
which  I  desire  help  from  God.    And  ui    To  become 
really  justilied  and    accepted  with   God  by  faith  ia    the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  so  that  I  shall  be  rcaliy  prepared  for 
my  duties  here,  and  for  eternal  glory  hereafier.    2.  To 
perform  the  duties  of  a  husband  and  fiuher  in  the  fear  of 
God,   and   for   the  best  interests  of  my   dear   wife  and 
child.    3.  To  r.cquire  the  character  and  perform  iha  duty 
of  a  failhfal  inii'sier. 

30.  Monday.  A  cold,  dark,  rainy  morning.  Low  in 
health  and  languid  in  mind.  Have  not  found  much  en- 
joyment in  devotion,  yet  am  not  wholly  in  the  dark.  I 
hope  the  Lord  may  bless  me  with  restored  health,  and  a 
more  sanct'fi-d  spirit."  The  sncceeding  weeks,  very 
similar  to  those  we  have  jusl  noticed. 

"June  16.  I-Jave  just  returned  from  the  anniversary 
of  our  association.  A  tolerably  pleasant  meeting.  God 
has  kindly  kept  my  family  while  I  have  been^absent. 
May  his  mercies  make  me  mere  fathiul  in  my  work." 

"26.  Sabbath.  Had  great  freedom  in  preaching  from 
Heb.  xii,  14:  "  Without  holiness  no  man  shall  see  the 


I 


176 


MEMOIR    OF 


Lord."  Soleran  attention  was  given  to  the  word,  and  I 
hope  good  was  done.  In  the  evening  read  a  chapter 
and  made  some  remarks  upon  it.  The  remainder  of  the 
interview  was  spent  in  prayer." 

"  30.  Have  j  ist  returned  from  New-York.  Went  and 
returned  in  the  steamboat  Commerce,  Capt.  Hitchcock, 
whom  I  baptized  a  short  time  since,  and  who  has  shown 
me  great  kindness.  Had  considerable  religious  conver- 
sation on  the  way,  and  preached  one  sermon;  but  have 
not  had  all  the  enjoyment  of  mind  I  could  desire.  God 
has  kept  our  home  in  safety  while  we  have  been  absent. 
Blessed  be  his  name." 

Several  succeeding  dates  present  aspects  similar  to 
many  we  have  already  transcribed;  such  as  entreating 
divine  blessings  on  his  labors :  solemnity  on  the  house 
of  Gol;  baptizing;  communion;  engagedness  of  the 
merab(;rs  in  prayer  meetings;  gratitude  for  having  been 
moved  upon  to  make  more  decided  and  energetic  efforts 
for  his  own  spiritual  improvement ;  believes  God  has 
bU osed  him  in  so  doing,  and  imparted  "  some  new  de- 
grees of  light  and  strength  ;"  but  complains  that  his 
*'  sinful  habits,  so  far  from  being  changed,  are  scarcely 
weakened;"  supplicates  forgivness. 

« July  8.  Have  been  all  day  engaged  in  writing  a 
sermon-am  excessively  fatigued  this  evening-have  had 
I  hope,  a  little  aid  from  on  high  in  ray  labor  to-day." 

«  9.  Last  night  had  a  most  violent  attack  of  fever, 
with  pain  in  my  side  and  head.  This  morning  feel  un- 
able to  study,  and  shall  of  course  be  unprepared,  and 
probably  unable  to  preach  to-morrow.  Am  exceedingly 
weak  and  languid,  both  in  mind  and  body." 

"10.  Sabbath.  Do  not  go  out  to-day  at  all.  My 
pulpit  i3  to  be  supplied  by  others.  I  am  still  weak  ia 
spirit,  in  body,  m  faith,  and  in  prayer.  0  Lord,  I  pray 
th€e  quicken  m^  soul,  which  cleaves  to  the  dust." 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


m 


"  11.  This  morning  my  heart  has  been  a  little  touch- 
ed in  reading  the  Memoir  of  J.  B.Taylor,  but  still  mv 
soul  is  languid." 

I  hope  it  will  not  be  inferred  from  the  frequent  mention 
of  biographical  reading,  that  this  was  the  kind  he  mostly 
perused.     For  a  man  of  his  years  and  means,  he  had  a 
very  extensive  and  well  assorted  library.    In  his  own 
personal  expenses  he  used  strict  economy,  though  he  was 
ever  appareled  in  a  manner  becoming  the  dignity  of  his 
office.    But  in  taking  religious  periodicals,  and  purchas- 
ing books,  he  indulged  himself  to  the  extent  of  his  ability. 
"17.     Sabbath.     This    morning    preached    for   Dr 
Welch.'^    Had  not  much  liberty.    Having  never  preach- 
ed m  his  congregation  before,  felt  somewhat  embarrass- 
ed.   Did  probably  no  good.    This  afternoon  had  more 
freedom  m  my  own  pulpit;  still  it  was  rather  a  dull, 
heavy  meeting.  I  fear  but  little  good  has  been  done  to- 
aay.    O   Lord,  I  pray  thee  quicken  me  and  help  me  by 
thylHoiy  Spirit,  to  love  thee  more  and  serve  thee  better." 
We  pass  several  entries  of  usual  interest  to  make  rooru 
for  the  entire  record  of  the 

"  29.    Visited  a  sick  woman  to-day,  (Mrs.  Scott,)  who 
is  low  with  consumption.    When  I  first  saw  her,  a  few 
days  since,  she  was  in  deep  concern  about  her  eternal 
state.    She  had  once  made  a  profession  of  religion,  but 
had  lost  the  enjoyment  of  it,  and  had  lived  in  the  neglect 
of  her  christian  duties.    She  seemed  very  much  in  the 
dark,  and  was  unable  to  pray,    I  conversed  with  her,  and 
prayed  for  her.    The  Lord  has  finally  appeared  for  her 
relief.    She  is  now  calm,  happy,  resigned  to  death,  and 
even  desirous  to  go.    She  seems  delighted  when  I  go  in 
to  see  her,  and  finds  great  enjoyraeat  in  prayer.    She  is 
now  deeply  anxious  for  the  conversion  of  iier  parents, 
brothers  and  sisters,  none  of  whom  are  pious.    She  de- 
*Pastor  of  the  2d  Bapii^t  church  ia  Alban/i  " 


1* 


fdJ 


t^i        t* 


ns 


MEMOIR   OP 


sired  me  to-day,  to  pray  that  she  might  have  her  senses, 
and  be  composed  when  she  comes  to  die,  so  that  she 
might  converse  with  them  all.     May  the  Lord  grant  her 

request. 

Seeing  Mrs.  S.  in  this  condition,  has  led  me  mto  va- 
rious reiLciions.     She  is  not  oi"  my  congregation,  but  I 
thought  1  ought  to  regard  her  as  belonging  to  Christ,  and 
as  a  weary  piliirim,  just  going  to  enter  into  his  more  im- 
mediate presence,  1  ought  to    assist  her  to  enter  with 
joy.    Perhaps  I  cannot  now  per-form  a  more  acceptable 
service  for  the  Lord  Jesus,  than  to  help  this  dying  saint 
through  her  last  struggle,  and  this  has  led  me  to  think  on 
the  re'sponsibllity  of  directing  the  devotions  and  hopes  of 
dying  saints.     Can   I,  and  do  I  impart  such  knowledge, 
raise'^such  hopes,  and  excite  such  a  qjirit  as  will  be  prop- 
er for  them  to  possess  at  the  moment  they   pass  the  veil 
t)f  death,  and  enter  the  presence  of  God  ?     O,  how  caa 
I  tell  them  how  io  fee!,  how   to   hop^.  and  pray,  and  re- 
joice in  such  an  'lOur  !     Ble:r=ed  be  God  that  himself  is 
with  them,   he  can,  and  will  mould  their  hearts  aright. 
O  Lord  1  pray  thee,  give  Mrs.  S.  who  1  humbly  trust  is 
an  heir  of  ihy  kingdom,  a  peaceful  and  happy  d -ath,  and 
make  her  conver-^aiion   and  departure,   the    means    of 
converting  her  relauves. 

It  was  forcibly  impressed  on  my  mind  to-day,  that  i 
too  should  die  with  consumption,  and  in  circumstances 
perhaps  similar  to  those  ofxVIrs.  S.  I  shall  then  heed 
the  same  attcniions.  O,  may  I  have  the  prayers  of  the 
Lord's  people  in  that  day  and  above  all  may  I  have  th? 
presence  of  the  blessed  Savior.  O,  how  much  I  need  a 
preparation  for  death." 

"  30.     Saturday.    ll\v<^  ma  le  but  a  very  poor  prepara- 
tion for  to-morroAV.    0  lOW  much  I  need  the  presence  o  f 
God.    How  little  of  it  do  I  have.    I  pray,  and  pray,  and 
pray,  and  I  get  so  dissaii^aed  wi.h  m/  prayers  that  I  sU 


ALAMSON    L.    OOVEI.L. 


er  senses. 


179 


down  discouraged.  Then  again  Ihe  Lord  gives  me  n 
•mle  enlargement  and  some  comlW.,  end  I  itink  1  will 
alway,  pray  and  never  faint.  I  see  tl,a,  I  „„  a  poor 
thmgatbest     Why  is  God  mindlul  of  me?  wi,,  am 

;:av:;;^"'''''"''"■"''•^>^"s'--«p-ein 

"Augusts  Have  just  returned  from  Sarato-aSprin-5 
-.avev„„ed  my  aged  uncle  .here,  ,vho  is"  veVw 
with  consumption- parted  with  h;,r.  p,.„UbIy  for  the 
last  time.  He  seems  to  be  prepared  ,o  die.  He  has 
been  many  years  a  professor  of  religion.  0  Lord  I  pray 
thee  prepare  h.m  for  a  happy  death,  and  .uahe  i,  a  b  es.^ 
ing  to  his  family." 

"7  Sabbaih  This  afternoon  have,  baptized  a  voun. 
ady  for  whom  I  have  of'en  pr-ued,  and  whom  f  have 
long  desired  to  see  walking  in  ,he  paih  ofdutv.  She 
was  first  awakened  byavi.it  m.ide  by  biuthcM- Powell 
and  myself  in  her  faliier's  family.  May  the  Lord  enable 
her  to  be  faithful  until  death." 

"  26.  Have  been  absent  about  thee  wceks-p-.r^  of  the 
time  have  been  sick  and  unable  to  -o  out.  Hal  thcu-ht 
very  much  of  this  visit  as  a  means  of  doin,.  ..,oJ  amon- 
my  relations-but  I  L,vo  failed,-Mny  hJalih  and  mv 
soul  are  languid.  O  my  God  quicken  me  acoordin-  to 
thy  word.  "^ 

Have  been  much  affected  by  two  doadis  whi-h  b-ve 
Qccurred  during  my  absence.  One  is  (IkU  of  A^ ..  R-^ott 
a  raethodist  member,  whom  I  liave  so  cficn  vi.i>ed  in^her 
sickness,  and  who  died  in  the  triumphs  of  hhh  The 
other,  is  that  of  my  valued  and  esteemed  fri  .,d  aud 
brother  C.  L.  Pea^e,  who  in  the  mid^t  uf  Lf-  nn-l  '-.iVl. 
ness,  has  been  ^p'led  away.  Ho  waj  a  vuu;  -  man  of 
^reat  religious  a^^nty,  a  warm  and  lih^ral  f.i  <„d  of 
rvery  thing  good.  He  was  a  superi.itonJenl  in  one  of 
our  sabbath  schools,  a  superinle.u;.  n.  o[  (he  tract  distri- 

12 


(tlr. 


♦    B. 


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t 


180 


MEMOIR  OP 


bution  in  one  of  our  city  districts,  in  the  midst  ot  business, 
only  30  years  of  age,  and  has  left  an  affectionate  and 
pious  wife  and  four  young  children.  May  God  sanctify 
this  affliction  to  their  good.  How  uncertain  is  life  ?  I 
little  thought  my  brother  Pease  would  be  called  so  sud- 
denly awa^y  !  But  the  Lord  has  done  right.  This  broth- 
er was  ray  warm  friend,  and  I  have  thought  much  of  his 
society  and  co-operation  in  every  good  work.  Yet  I 
must  give  him  up  and  look  to  God  for  help  in  carrying 
on  his  blessed  cause.  O  Lord  I  pray  thee  help  we  to 
prepare  for  a  dying  hour." 

Several  entries  speak  of  renewed  activity  and  mcreas- 
ing  enjoyments. 

"  Sept.  4.  In  the  morning  preached  to  a  large  and 
attentive  audience,  on  the  death  of  brother  Pease,  from 
the  words,  "Take  heed  lest  he  also  spare  not  thee." 
May  the  Lord  follow  it  by  his  holy  spirit." 

"  11.  Sabbath.  This  morning  preached  on  the  power 
of  the  gospel  to  overcome  the  fear  of  death.  In  the 
close  alluded  to  the  deatli  of  Mrs.  Scott.  Afternoon. 
Have  been  preaching  on  the  sin  of  not  believing  on  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  John  xvi,  8,  11.  O  that  this  day 
may  not  be  lost." 

«  Sept.  14.  Resolved,  that  I  will  acquire  the  habit  of 
saying-?/ozt-when  I  address  others,  without  hesitation, 
with  propriety  and  with  effect." 

"  Sept.  17.  This  has  been  a  week  of  affliction.  My 
brother  Hutchins,.one  of  our  most  pious  and  active  young 
men,  has  been  called  away.  His  death  is  a  great  loss  to 
us :  but  he  died  in  the  triumphs  of  faith.  His  happy 
spirit,  I  doubt  not,  is  at  rest  in  heaven.  O  may  I  be  in- 
duced by  the  frequent  deaths  among  us,  to  be  more  faith- 
ful to  God  and  to  the  souls  of  men." 

18.    Had  st.iie  freedom  in  preaching  this  mornin- 

^      .     .      .  1      11 


(C 


on  the  sufferings  of  our  Savior  in  the  garden." 


ALA  NSON    £,.    COVELL. 


18t 


IS  mornin; 


"19.    Thismorninj  bade  adieu  lo  ray  dear  molher 
.nd  second  u.her,  ,v„„  have  been  wub  us  a  few  d ay. 
May    „e  Lo,d  protect  ,l,em  o„  ,beir  jor.rney  home     If 
wese    on,  .nee,  on  cartb,  „ay  we  surefy  raeeU„  rav'en" 
Oct.  7.     I, mo  fl.es  rapidly  away,  nor  does  it  m.. 
undtstntguishej  by  joy  and   sorrow!'  I     at    „    ch  o 
we,sl>  down  my  spirit  tl.is  week,  but  I  have  deserve 
all  and  n,ucb  „,ore  from  God.    I  hope  to  improve  by  .1  e 
0  cumstanees  .,-  which  I  allude,  and  beeome'mo  e  faut 
ful  ,0  God  than  ever  I  have  been.    I  mean  especially  ,o 
acqutre  more  bol dues,,  point  and  directness  in  preach" 
mg.     Omay  the  holy  spirit  assist  me" 

"  Whitesboro',  Oct.  23.     Have  spent  last  week  and  to 
day  wtth  my  former  charge  in   .his  place.    H  ve  be  a 
a  tendmg   the   Anniversary  of  our  State    Convention 
the  ord,D»„on  of  brother  Sheldon,  (who  succeed    mefn' 
the  pastoral   office  here)  and  in  visiting  old"  e  d"     " 
has  been  a  pleasant  week.    May   the  Lord   make  the 
vartous  meetings  of  this  week,  a  blessing  to  his  cause 
Have  enjoyed  some  liberty  i„  preaching  to-day," 

Albau,,  Oct.  25.  Arrived  home  last  evenin-^,  found 
all  well.  Our  father  and  mother  Woods  have  arrived  to 
spend  tne  Winter  with  us.  May  the  Lord  bless  our  so- 
ciety to  each  other.  My  ch  ,rcH  U  in  ,  very  low  state 
0  Lord  I  pray  thee,  spare  thy  .c  ,ple,  and  give  Ltv 
heritage  lo  reproach."  '  '     '    '      "  •="'<'  "ot  thy 

''  Oct.  27.    Resolved  that  with  the  help  of  God  I  wHl 
strive  for  the  greatest  atnounl  of  usefulness  i,  .Ms  pWe 

Also  that  I  wtU  try  to  lead  on  my  church  to  the  .ame 
sptrtt  and  effort  O  Lord  I  pray  tLe  help  me,  ndtour 
out  thy  holy  spirit  upon  us  all."  "^ 

"Nov.  1.    A  new  month  has  commenced.     O  for 
grace  to  improve  it  faithfully." 

"Nov  14     I  find  it  the  most  difiicult  of  all  things  to 
be  humble."  12* 


4f'. 


It', 


1^^: 


182 


MEMOIR     OF 


«  Albany,  Nov.  14,  1836. 
Mjr  dear  sister:— Your  last  I  received  in  due  season, 
and  ikilended  lo  have  returned  an  answer  the  same  day, 
but  was  first  interrupted  with  company,  and  then  called 
out  to  visit  the  sick,  and  found  no  lime  to  do  it.    But  I 
can  assure  you  of  my  joy  to  hear  once  more  from  your- 
self and  family,   and  to  learn  that  you  were  all  in  good 
health.     Aunt  Covell  had   been   here  one  or  two  drys 
before,  and  had   given  me  some  account  of  her  visit  at 
your  house.    I  had,  too,  a  letter  from  father  Westcott  a 
few  days  before,  so  that  I  had  formed  quite  an  idea  of 
how  you  AYcre  getting  along.     I  should  be  very  glad  in- 
deed lo  visit  you  in  one  or  two  weeks.   But  did  you  know 
how  1  am  lied  up  here  just  now,  you  would  hardly  ad- 
vise me  lo  do   so.     Lust  month  I  only  preached  three 
sermons  in  my  o^vn  pulpit,  owing  to  an  absence  west,  to 
attend  our  Missionary  Convention,  and  to  other  engage- 
ments wliich  have  occupied  my  whole  time.    This  month 
I  have  commenced  niy  work  anew.    I  am  lecturing  on 
Wednesday  evenings,  on  the  book  of  Acts,  and  have  a 
very  good  attendance.     On  the  first  Lord's-day  of  this 
month  two  happy  converts  v.-ere  baptized,  and  yesterday 
our  congrecj.ition  u'ore  very  attentive  and  solemn.    At 
evening  two   or   three   persons    were    evidently    much 
awakened,  and  one  poor  sinner  rose  up  in  the  meeting 
and  desired  tlie  people  of  God  to  pray  for  her.    Many 
things  looli  to  me  as  though  we  were  just  on  the  eve  of 
a  rsvi\'!il.    If  ^-'i^  should  prove  to  be  so,  J.  should  hardly 
feel  justified  in  leaving  my  post  at  all.    I  have  partly 
promised  to  attend  the  dtdication  of  the  new  Baptist  meet- 
infc-house  in  South  Adams,  cither  this  month  or  in  the 
early  part  of  next,  and  hud  intended  to  visit  yourself 
and  sister  Sarah  at  the  same  lime.     This  I  may  yet  do. 
But  I  have  scribbled  over  li)ese   things  that  you  mny  see 
why  I  do  not  dare  to  make  very  certain  promises.    My 


ALAN  SON     I..     COVELL. 


183 


health  has  been  very  good  ihis  fall,  much  belter  than  in 
the  summer.  Indeed  we  arc  all  qui!e  well  at  present, 
and  have  enjoyed  much  better  heal.h  here,  than  we  did 
at  Whitesboro'.  Father  and  mother  AVoods  are  now 
with  us,  and  will  remain  until  -spring.  It  is  a  -reat  help 
and  pleasure  to  have  them  with  us  this  winter,  as  we 
can  leave  home  to  visit  and  attend  meetin-s  at  any  lime 
and  have  no  concern  about  little  E.  u.  the  house. 

Father  and  mother  Westcott  got  safe  home  from  your 
house  the  Saturday  after  they  left  you.  They  were  all 
well  when  they  wrote.        ***** 

We  spent  a  week  in  Whitesboro',  in  attending  our 
State  Convention  and  in  visiting  among  our  old  friends. 
^\e  had  a  warm  reception  among  them  and  a  very 
pleasant  vi.it.  We  can  now  go  there  on  tiie  rail  road  in 
an  afternoon  !  We  had  a  fine  ride  going  and  returning. 
Certamly  It  IS  a  great  improvement  in  n-avelling  facili- 
ties, to  take  two  or  three  hundred  people  over  a  hundred 
miles  (nearly)  of  what  used  to  be  a  very  hard  road,  in  a 
few  hours,  and  in  so  easy  and  delightful  a  manner. 

And  now  sister,  tendering  much  love  to  yourself  and 
children,  and  husband,   I  must  bring  my  scribMing  to    a 
close.     I  will  only  add  that  it  is  my  constant,  and  I  think 
I  can  truly  say  my  inci casing  desire,  that  we  may  all  be 
fitted  for  a  happy  meeting  in  heaven,  where  we  shall 
never  part.     God  has  appointed  us  our  dilFerent  condi- 
tions here,   but  he  has  one  home  for  us  all  hereafter,  if 
we  love  and  serve  him.    May  he  assist  us  to  love  him 
more.     The  more  I  see  of  this  vain  world  around  me. 
the  more  I  despise  its  deceiving  vanities,  and  the  more 
highly  do  I  prize  the  relioion  of  the  cross  of  Christ.     O, 
for  grace  to  cleave  with  ever-glowing  affections  to  God 
and  his  cause.    Let  us  pray  daily   for  each  other,  that 
our  gracious  God  may  qualify  us  for  "all  the  good  pleas- 
ure of  his  will,"  and  preserve  us  blameless  unto  the 


'w  i 


184 


MEMOIR     OF 


coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.    Plea<?e  write  again 
soon.  Your  ailectionatc  brother, 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown."  A.  L.  Covell. 

"Dec.  6.  This  evening  have  received  from  my  con- 
gregation a  renewed  call  to  continue  as  their  pastor,  with 
their  approbation  of  my  labors  among  ihfm  for  the  past 
year,  accompanied  by  a  j^resent  of  .'fplOO.  This  is  a  very 
great  assistance  to  me,  and  an  encouragement  to  be  more 
faithfulj  and  trust  more  in  Gad  hereafter.  O  Lord,  I 
acknowledge  thy  great  goodness  in  this.  I  desire  to 
receive  it  as  a  favor  from  /Ay  hand.  O,  may  thy  holy 
spirit  enable  me  to  make  a  holy  improvement  of  all  thou 
shalt  commit  to  my  care." 

*'12.  Have  found  some  satisfaction  this  morning  in 
reading  the  precious  word,  and  in  calling  on  God  in 
prayer.  O,  for  more  of  his  presence.  Am  preparing  a 
sermon  for  Thanksgiving-day.  Assist  mc,  O  Lord,  to 
act  in  a  right  spirit  and  from  right  motives." 

"15.  This  is  our  annual  Thanksgiving.  My  congre- 
gation assembled  with  Dr.  Welch's,  and  1  have  preached 
to  them  both.  The  Governor  of  our  State  was  present. 
I  succeeded  quite  as  --/til  as  I  expected,  but  I  am  glad 
the  service  is  past,  for  niy  heart  was  far  from  being  right 
in  it.  I  had  too  g^v^i  r»  vense  of  the  presence  of  man. 
I  hope  I  may  have  a  ii;  :e  lational  and  pious  frame  of 
mind  v/hen  I  preach  hereafter." 

"  Albanij,  Dec.  17,  1836. 

My  dear  Niece: — Your  very  alleciionate  letter  was  re- 
ceived sometime  since,  and  should  have  been  answered 
sooner.  But  I  have  had  a  great  many  letters  to  write 
lately,  besides  many  other  duties  every  day  which  I 
cannot  omit.  Indeed  I  had  never  so  much  to  occupy 
my  time  and  fill  my  heart,  as  I  have  at  present.  But  I 
am  serving  a  good  Master,  and  I  love  his  service  th© 


ALAffSoN    L.    COVBLL. 


185 


mo'-eas  it  mull, pi  ,  rmn  uiy  haD.:^.  I  wrote  your 
mother  a  short  lime  .,  ;ce.  In  ihat  leiier  I  mentioned  the 
recent  oouv  --.ion  of  a  yoiincr  huly.  With  one  other  per- 
son, she  was  hapii/?.]  the  Subbaih  after.  Three  or  four 
other  persons  have  since  ..I  lined  iiopes,  and  will  b( 
baptized  .oon.  There  is  good  '  -al  of  seriousness 
among  those  w!u)  attend  ot-  meeting,  and  I  liope  maay 
will  be  brought  fo  the  anas    ;  the  blessed  Savior. 

I  was  very  much  p!ea>od  with  the  poetry  on  the  second 
pa<;e  of  your  letter  and  ihe  more  so  as  I  thoujrht  some  of 
the  lines  indicated  much  serious  reflection   on    the  sub- 
ject of  religion.     T  even  thought  from  some  of     le  ex 
^^   sionslhai   pcrhnps   you  was  already   hoping  in  thr 
Savior's  love,  and  ihat  perhaps  you  had  experience 
saving  change,  and  I  had  not  heard  of  it  before.     Is 
Clarissa?     Is   your  heart  really    devoted   to  your 
andSarior?     Ila     Ood   for  his  sake  forgiven  all     „jr 
sins,  an  '  owned  you  as  one  of  his  beloved  and  favored 
cluJr'     i    If  so,   do   -   iie  me  a  full  account   of  the 
chan-e  that  has  taken  \         in  your  mind.    But  if  this  is 
not  the  case,  if  you  arc  sdll  unreconciled  to  the  God  of 
Love,  and  without  hope  in  the  mercy  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,   how   diiFerent   is  your  condition.     Do   you  not 
often,  venj  often,  feel  the  nescssity  of  a  preparation  to 
die  in  peace,  and  to  be  holy  and  happy  in  heaven  ?    It  is 
only  by  turning  to  God  with  all  your  heart,  and  believ- 
ing on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  that  you  can  become  thus 
prepared.    If  you  feel  smitten  in  your  heart,  and  con- 
demned  for   sin,  go    immediately    to   the    Lord    Jesus 
Christ  in  prayer.     Confe.js  all  your  sins  to  him.    Pray 
him  to  give  you  a  new  heart  and  aright  spirit.     He  has 
promised  his  holy  spirit  to  those  who  ask  for  '  is  enlight- 
ening and  sanctifying  inlluences.    How  it  would  rejoice 
my  heart  to  hear  of  your  submission  to  the  Savior!     Do 
not  think  yourself  too  young  to  become  a  christian. 


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MEMOIR     OP 


Death  may  call  you  soon.  I  this  day  received  the  pain- 
ful intelligence  of  the  death  of  your  cousin  Eliza  Ken- 
drick,  (Mrs.  Morse.)  She  died  at  Brockport,  N.  Y., 
after  an  illness  of  more  than  a  year,  in  the  full  and  assur- 
ed hope  of  a  blessed  immortality.  What  a  warning  to 
us  all  to  be  "  also  rcaJy." 

Father  Westcott  wrote  me  last  week.  He  and  your 
uncle  Stukely  have  sold  their  farm,  and  are  going  to 
move  away  from  Charlotte  next  summer.  To  what 
place  they  bave  not  deierrained. 

I  hope  if  they  move  away  very  far  they  will  visit  us 
all  once  more  before  they  go.  You  must  not  fail  to  give 
my  love  to  each  of  your  brothers  and  sisters,  and  espe- 
cially to  the  little  one.  Remember  me  to  your  father 
and  mother.  1  shall  expect  her  to  write  me  soon,  a  good 
\ona  old  fashioned,  sisterly  letter,  and  I  will  promise  to 
repfy  as  soon  as  1  possibly  can.  Tell  her  we  are  all 
gettin<^  along  very  well  this  hard  winter,  and  that  our 
society  in  consideraiion  of  the  high  price  of  every  thing 
have  made  me  a  present  of  ^$100  in  money. 

Do  write  me  again  very  soon,  and  write  very  freely 
your  Rxerci.5fcs  of  nand  on  the  subject  of  religion.  I 
shall  certainly  remember  you  in  my  prayers.  May  the 
Lord  assist  you  to  pray  for  yourself  and  for  your  brothers 

and  sisters. 

Your  very  affectionate  uncle, 

A.  L.  COVELL. 

Miss  C.  C.  Brown." 

''  Albany,  Dec.  28,  1836. 

My  dear  sister:— As  cousin  Lemuel  leaves  the  city 
immediately,  I  can  only  scribble  you  a  line  or  two.  1 
thank  you  very  mucli  for  your  kind  note  and  very  com- 
fortable present  by  him.        *        *        *        * 

I  send  you  that  good  book,  Dodridge's  "Rise  and 
Progress  of  Religion  in  the  soul,"  on  account  of  its  in- 


ALANSON    L.    C  0  V  E  L  L. 


187 


trinsic  worth,  and  not  because  it  is  new.  I  hone  the 
children  when  they  have  leisure,  will  be  benefitted  by 
reading  It.  I  also  send  you  "Physical  Theory  of  an- 
other Life."  It  is  a  curious  conjecture  from  a  celebrated 
author,  and  I  thought  you  might  perhaps  be  amused  by 
reading  it,  when  wearied  with  things  which  are  real. 

We  are  all  well,  and  all  send  love  to  yourself  and  all 
the  family.  For  particulars  I  must  refer  you  to  cousin. 
I  wrote  you  a  short  time  since,  and  hope  you  have  re- 
ceived it.     Please  write  again  soon. 

Your  ever  affectionate  brother,         A.  L.  Covell 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown." 

'' January  1,  1837.  Preached  this  morning  on  "redeem- 
ing the  time."  In  the  afiernoon  had  a  very  solemn  bap- 
tism and  communion.  In  the  evening,  an  interesting 
missionary  concert  of  prayer." 

"January  8-Sabbath.  Have  had  a  better  day  than 
common.  O  God,  wilt  thou  pour  out  thy  holy  spirit,  and 
bring  sinners  to  thyself.  O  let  us  see  thy  stately  step- 
pings  in  our  midst.  To-morrow  we  observe  as  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer.     May  the  Lord  be  with  us." 

"18.  Plave  spentai)art  of  this  day  in  reading  my 
journal  for  the  last  year;  also  in  trying  to  examine  my- 
self, and  to  pray  for  the  renewed  work  of  God  upon  my 
heart.  It  has  been  a  good  day  to  me.  I  hope  my  re- 
flections will  have  an  abiding  influence  upon  me.  A 
full  attendance  at  the  lecture  this  evening;  subject,  the 
death  of  Stephen.  Solemn  attention  was  paid  to  the 
word, 

I  find  in  reviewing  the  year  now  past,  that  I  have  in- 
numerable mercies  for  which  to  be  thankful.  God  has 
preserved  my  life-has  given  me  a  good  measure  of 
health-rhas  been  equally  gracious  to  my  dear  compan- 
ion, and  to  ray  little  daughter.  He  has  given  me  many 
friends,  and  all  the  comforts  of  life,  with  the  innuraera- 


.  i 


188 


M  EMOIR  OP 


ble  priWleges  of  religion.    May  we  all  have  thankful 
hearis     I  °ee,  too,  that  I  have  enjoyea  many  ptecious 
'  portunities  of  diing  good.    O,  that  I  had  ...proved 
2L  more  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  my 
eople.    During  the  year,  I  have  made  ..ne  hundred 
Lily  visits,  preached  one  hundred  th.rly-s.x  sermons,- 
but  have  had  very  little  reason  to  think  they   have  done 
™lh  good.    Have  baptized  Bf.y-five  P"-— ™elve 
les  have  administered  the  Lord's   supper.      O  may 
I  be  more  spiritual  and  devoted  in  the  year  to  come. 

"January  20.    This  day  I  am  thirty-three  years  old 
I  have  been  much  engaged  in  wr.tmg  a  ser...on  for  the 
Sabbath,  and  have  had  less  time  to  reflect  and  pray  than 
I  could  desire;  but  it  is  my  earnest  vv.sh  and  prayer, 
that  I  mav  begin  my  life  anew,  and  spend  all  my  t.tno 
and  St"  ng,l.  hereafter  to  glorify  God.    Resolved,  that  1 
will  for  the  vear  to  come,  endeavor  to  br.ng  some  son  s 
,0  ChriS  every  month-thai  I  will  be  so  fa.lhful  to  them 
hat  I  can  be  al.le  to  say,  1  have  done  all  for  them  that 
God  would  have  me  to  do-that  if  they  are  not  couverl- 
ed  it  shall  not  be  owing  to  any  lack  on  my  part. 

This' is  the  last  entry  in  the  diary.    There  is  yet  a 
book  of  records,  in  pursuance  of  a  resolul.on  dated, 

"May  26,  1335.  Feeling  the  neces5.iy  of  more  as- 
sistance from  God,  in  composing  and  delivering  my  .et- 
mons,  I  have  resolved,  this  day,  to  make  .t  my  constant 
practice  hereafter,  to  offer  and  record  a  prayer  for  d.v.ne 
assistance  in  every  attempt  to  prepare  and  preach  a  set- 


The  pages  of  this  little  journal  are  instruct.ve  and 
interesting;  but  the  Memoir  being  already  extended  be- 
yond the  proposed  limits,  they  are,  for  the  presteni, 
om'iitecl. ..      — 

"^I  think  tl.is  enumeration  does  n;;ri;rclude  l^^'^^^^J^^* 
on  Wednesday  cvennigs. 


ALAN  SON     L.     GOV  ELL. 


185 


The  following  letter  carries  out  the  history  of  the 
winter. 

__    ^  ''Albany,  April  7,  1837. 

My  dear  sister:^Your  last  was  received  a  few  days 
since.    I  am  glad  to  have  strength  enough  to  return  you 
a  short  answer.    You  know  I  had  a  hard  cold  all  through 
the  early  part  of  the  winter.     I  kept  alon-  for  two  months, 
calling  myself  well,  and  hoping  to  throw  it  olT.     Instead 
of  this,  I  was  constantly  losing  my  appetite  and  strength, 
till  I  found  I  could  keep  up  no  longer.     I  had  also  a  sort 
of  intermitting  fever,  very  much  as  I  was  when  I  had  the 
fever  and  ague  a  few  years  since.     This  Uiade  me  so 
weak  that  I  could   neither  read,  write,  walk,  nor  even 
converse  with  a  friend   without  paying  a  heavv  penalty 
in  head-ache,  |niin  in  my  stomach,  depression  of  spirits, 
&c.    I  preached  in  my  pulpit  the  last  time  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  fir.t  Sabbath  in  March.     In   the  afternoon  I 
baptized  six  happy  converts  and  adminisiered  tlie  Lord's 
supper.     A  very  happy  day  for  us.     I  soon  after  preach- 
ed two  evening  leciures,  and  kej.t  about  for  som^^  lime. 
Three  weeks  ago  I  gave  myself  up  to  the  care  of  a  very 
kind  and  good  physician.     For  a  week  past  I  have  been 
getting  better.     I  should  before  no-;  have  started  off  to 
spend  two  or  three  weeks   with  yourself  and  Sally,  bui 
Dr.  Shaw  would  not  think  of  my  riding  so  far,  in  March 
weather  and  March  roads.     As  our  Conveniion  in  Phila- 
delphia is  to  meet  soon,  (three  weeks  I  believe,)  the  Dr. 
advises  me  to  go  down  the  river,  which  ij  now  open,  and 
go  on  to  Philadelphia  or  Baltimore,  and   spend  the  time 
in  a  warmer  climate,  till  the  Convention  rises,  and  then 
return  if  I  am  well  enough.     He  is  going  himself  to  the 
Convention,  and  can  there  give  me  any  further  advice 
if  needed.     Mrs.  C.  will  go  along  to  take  care  of  me. 
We  are  expecting  to  leave  home  to-morrow,  or  early  next 
week.    If  the  Lord  will,  we  shall  return  the  first  week  in 
May.    After  getting  home,  my  first  excursion  out  of  the 


190 


MEMOIR    OP 


city,  (which  T  have  not  been  out  of  since  last  October,) 
shall  be  to  your  house  and  Cheshire.  1  can  probably 
come  at  the  time  of  your  Association.  Now  do  not  think 
I  am  clear  gone,  and  shall  never  return.  I  have  told 
you  the  worst  of  my  case,  and  shall  let  you  know  fre- 
quently how  1  get  along.  If  you  receive  a  paper  from 
me  at  any  time,  it  may  signify  that  we  are  getting  on 
well,  with  no  accident,  and  with  improving  health.  I 
suppose  the  mails  will  be  very  irregular  for  the  present 

month. 

I  am  now  very  tired  with  this  effort  of  writing.  Please 
accept  my  love  for  each  and  all.  My  best  thanks  to 
Elraira  and  Clarissa,  for  the  page  they  filled  in  your 
last.  I  would  fill  this  page  for  them  if  I  was  not  so  fa- 
tigued.   I  must  also  write  a  few  lines  to   sister  Wolcott. 

If  you  find  any  thing  amiss  in  the  penmanship  or 
orthography  of  this  letter,  you  have  only  to  think  a  sick 

man  wrote  it. 

Your  afTeclionate  brother, 

A.   L.  COVELL. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown." 

P.  S.  All  our  folks  in  Charlotte  have  moved  to  Can- 
ton, Si.  Lawrence  Co.    Have  bought  a  large  farm-are 

all  well. 

Nearly  thirty  conversions  in  our  meetings  this  winter, 
16  have'  been  baptized.  Ten  others  have  been  received 
and  are  waiting  for  me  to  get  well  and  baptize  them." 

But  they  waited  in  vain.  I  believe  they  were  baptized 
in  May,  by  Dr.  Kendrick  while  visiting  his  declining 

brother  and  friend. 

The  contemplated  trip  to  Philadelphia  was  made,  but 
the  weather  coming  on  cold,  with  some  snow,  he  failed 
of  receiving  the  expected  benefit.  About  the  middle  of 
May,  he  came  out  to  my  house.  The  roads  were  still 
very  bad,  and  the  jaunt  of  thirty-four  miles  entirely 


AL  A  NSON    L.    CO  V£LL  . 


191 


prostrated   the   litde   strength   he  had.    His    darkened 
counienance-his  altered    voice-his  emaciated    form, 
plainly  announced  thai  I  must  prepare  mv  heart  to  meeJ 
the  will  at  God.    My  family  and  myself,  received  him 
as  a  precious  boon  from  heaven,  and  waited  on  him  under 
the  full  consciousness  of  his  beina  a  candidate  elect  for 
immortality      We  all  felt  that  the  air  was  embalmed, 
and  the  habitation  hallowed  by  his  presence;  and  thai 
our  God  was  thoughtfully  kind  toward  us,  in  granting  us 
the  privilege,  though  but  for  a  little  while,  of  administer- 
mg  to  his  necessities.    A  f.sv  days  of  nursing  and  quiet 
so  far  recruited  him,  that  ho  ventured  on  the  remaining, 
part  of  the  little  journey.    He  was  sensible  that  it  would 
be  his  last  visit,  and  couk!  not  be  dissuaded  from  goincr 
by  the  ofier  of  having  brother  and  .ister  V/olcott  com^'J 
up  to  Pownal.    He  wished  once   more  to  behold  the 
place,  and  the  friends  of  his  childhocd.     His  best  loved 
cousin,  too,  Elder  Lemuel  Covel),  was  at  that  time  liv- 
ing m  North  Adams,  about  half  way  lo  Cheshire,  and 
he  must  see  him  too  at  his  own  home.    With  a  centle 
horse  and  chaise,  and  his  eldest  niece  for  a  companion, 
he  proceeded,  but  faiied  all  the  while  he  was  gore.    Oa 
iHs  return  from  Cheshire,  he  spent  the  Sabbath  with  Mr. 
Covell  in  North  Adams. 

Though  feeble  and  hoarse,  he  made  the  concluding 
prayer  in  the  sanctuary,  and  a  hcii^o.-rhage  of  the  Iun4 
commenced   before  he  left  the   pulpit.  ^The   bleedin'^ 
however,  was  not  so  copious  as  lo  be  perceived  by  the 
congregation,  until  he  reached  the  grass-plat  outside  the 
church.    He  was  asdstcd  to  the  house  of  his  friend,  and 
the  next  day  returned  to  Pou-iial.    His  resolution  ever 
exceeded  his  strength,  and  he  so  readily  Avarmed  into  the 
spirit  of  conversaiion,  that  he  often  forgot  his  condition,  ' 
and  would  speak  with  an  earnestness  that  cost  him  much 
distress  and  prostration.    He  was  very  sick  the  ni^rht 


102 


MEMOIR     OF 


after  reaching  Pownal,  and  was  confinetl  to  his  bed  the 
next  day.    By  fiood  medical  care,  and  constant  attention, 
he  was  partially  restored,  and  carefully  carried  home  in 
the  course  of  the  week.     One  of  the  best  physicians  in 
Albany  was  immediately  called  in.    All,  however,  that 
skill  and  care  could  do,  was  to  mitigate  pain-alleviate 
distress.    His  physical  organization   had  been   so  long 
and  so  greatly  overtasked,  that  nature  was  worn  out.— 
All  that  remained  for  him,  was  to  linger,  to  suffer,  and 
die.     Of  this,  at  times,  he  was  fully  conscious.    While 
on  his  visit  into  the  country,  he  conversed  freely  on  the 
subject.     "Sister,  [said  he,]   my   complaints,   and  an 
impression  that  has  long  rested  on  my  mind,  admonish 
me  that  I  ought  to  address  myself  to  the  subject  of  leav- 
ing the  world.    On  my  own  account  I  could  fly  at  any 
moment.    But  Oh,  my  dear  wife  and  child,  and  my  be- 
loved church-can  it  be  possible  that  my  work  is  all 
done?    Is  it  possible  that  I  am  to  preach  to  dying  sin- 
ners no  more?"    And  that  noble,  manly  face,  was  wet 
with  tears.    It  was  no  time  to  soothe  him  with  fallacious 
hopes,  or  to  lay  "the  flattering  unction"  tp  my  own 
stricken  heart,  that  he  could  ever  labor  more.    He  was 
reminded  of  the   sudden   dismission  of   his  lamented 
father,  and  the  circumstances  of  his  widowed  mother, 
and  her  orphan  train.    O  yes,  [he  replied,!  1  often  think 
of  that,  and  take  comfort.    I  think  the  same  kind  Provi- 
dence that  sustained  my  dear  mother,  and  watched  over 
our  helplessness,  will  not  forget  to  provide  for  ray  own 
dear  companion,  and  my  precious  little  daughter.    But  I 
know  it  will  be  hard  for  them  to  give  me  up.     O  my 
God,  make  thy  grace  sufficient  unto  us  all." 

After  having  seen  him  safely  conducted  home,  and  laid 
into  his  own  bed,  I  was  obliged  the  next  morning  to 
leave,  and  return  to  my  own  family.  1  resolved  to  avoid 
betraying  emotion,  fearing  the  effect  of  excitement  upon 
him  J  but  he  could  not  be  put  off"  with  a  mere  common 


AL  ANSON    L.    COVELL. 


193 


place,  "Good  morning  brother."    Grasping  my  hand,  he 
says,  "How  can  I  have  you  go  so  soon?    And  yet  I 
know  it  is  right  that  you  should.     O,  my  sister,  pray  for 
me,  for  I  am  a  poor,  sinful  tiling.    Pray  that  I  may  be 
more  reconciled  to  the  providence  that  confines  me  here 
when  I  think  of  so  much  that  needs  doing  all  around* 
me."    The  idea  was  presented   to  hiin,  that  if  indeed 
he  could  feel  reconciled  to  the  will  of  God,  and  bear  this 
humbling  dispensation  with  composure,  and  an  acquies- 
cing spirit,   he  might  still  consider  himself  preaching, 
and  more  loudly  than  ever  before.     That  possibly  God 
had  now  called  him  to  suffer,  instead  of  to  do  his  will, 
that  he  might  thus,  by  showing  the  sustaining  power  of 
the  gospel  in  his  own  heart,  give  emphasis  to  all  he  had 
ever  declared  to  his  people  from  the  pulpit.    His  face 
was  buried  in  his  handkerchief,  and  a  pressure  from  his 
hand  vvas  the  only  reply.    In  a  few  weeks  he  was  so  far 
improved  as  to  be  round  among  the  apartments  of  his 
house,  and  to  write  a  letter  to  his  mother  j  but  this  was 
the  labor  of  several  days.    I  believe  ho  was  carried  out 
once  or  twice,  but  he  soon  failed,  and  a  rnedieal  council 
examined  his  case.     The  result  was  a  change  of  meas- 
ures, but  all  vvas  unavailing.    From  the  time  of  his  first 
acknowledging  himself  sick  in  March,  his  people  had 
treated  him  with  peculiar  kindness.    After  his  return 
from  the  country,  a  brother  was  appointed  by  the  church, 
to  take  the  daily  oversight  of  his  affairs,  and  provide  for 
his  daily  wants.    Faithfully  and  kindly  did  that  brother 
fulfil  his  trust. 

Having  been  informed  by  letter,  that  he  was  more 
rapidly  declining,  I  went  to  see  him  about  the  20th  of 
August,  and  remained  with  him  while  he  continued. 
He  was  indeed  wasting,  descending  with  uninterrupted 
progress  to  "  the  house  appointed  for  all  the  living." 
He  had  not  yet  attained  that  perfect  acquiescence  with 
the  will  of  God  that  he  desired.    He  ever  regarded  the 


5  ml! 


194 


MEMOIR     OP 


feelings  of  others,  so  mu'-h  more  than  his  own,  thai  he 
was  tmly  "in  a  strait  between  two"  feeling  that  it  waa 
needful  for  his  family  and  church  that  he  should  remain, 
but  that  for  himself  "  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ,  would 
be  far  belter." 

That  he  was  had  in  constant  lemembrance  among  his 
people,   was  hourly  manifest,  by  the  repeated  enquiries 
and  tokens  of  love  sent  in,  in  hope   they  might  m  some 
way   minister  to  his  rtlief.    But  the  highest  skill,  the 
most  sympathizing  kindness,  and  the  most   assiduous 
care,  were  alike  powerless  to  resist  the  march  of  death. 
In  our  system   of  arrangements,  it  was  a  T^n  of  my 
charge  to  rise  at  dciwn  of  day,  when  '=lhe   watchers" 
were  leaving.     Of  course  an  hour  and  more,  of  unmter- 
rupled  communion  with  my  brother  v-a3  enjoyed.     This 
was  generally  the  least  distrescing  part  of  the  twenty 
four  hours  to  him.    I  felt  that  mine  was  a  privileged  lot ; 
for  as  he  replied  to  the  kir.d  enquiry  of  a  friend,  "  the 
outward  man    was  perishing,  but  the  inward  man  waa 
renewed  from  day  to  day."     The  "  morning  cordial 
was  some  portion  of  divine  truth,  read  to  him  so  near 
his  pillow,  as  to  admit  an  undertone,  as  any  loud  sound 
distressed  him.    While  his  strength  allowed,  he  gene- 
rally mad?  some  passing  comment  on  the   portion  read. 
But  to  ore^jenl  all  ihe  inlr:resting  detaih  of  those  few  hal- 
lowed vveek^,  would  require  another  volume  ;  so  I  pass  to 
the  close ;  ii;st  mentioning  however,  that  among  the 
many  friendo  and  acquaintance  who  called  to  oifer  prayer 
and  take  the  pavtlng  hr.nd,  was  the  Rev.  Mr.  Woolsey 
then  of  Philadelphia,  but  who  had  formerly  preached  a 
few  months  with  the  church  to  which  I  belonged.    He 
showed  us  much  kindness,  and  on  taking  leave,  request- 
ed me  to  write  by  the  first  opportunity,  and  give  him 
what  I  conveniently   could  in  a  letter,  of  brother's  most 
interesting  remarks.    I  did  so,  and  the  letter,  together 


ALAN  SON    L.    COVELL. 


195 


with  one  from  himself,  was  published  in  the  "Monthly 
Paper,"  now  "Baptist  Record."  They  are  submitted 
here,  premising  that  the  conversations  repeated  in  ray 
letter,  occurred  previous  to  Mr.  Woolsey's  visit. 

As  he  neared  the  time  of  his  departure,  he  daily  spake 
less  and  less,  on  account  of  the  continually  increasing 
inflammation  in  his  throat  and  mouth. 

"  Philadelphia^  Oct.  15,  1837. 

Dear  brother  Allen  :— Allow  me,  through  the  medium 
of  your  paper,  to  present  the  public  with  some  of  the  last 
sayings  of  the  late  lamented  A.  L.  Covell,  pastor  of  the 
First  Baptist  Church  in  the  city  of  Albany. 

It  was  my  happiness  to  enjoy  a  personal  acquaintance 
with  brother  Covell.  And  all  who  knew  him  are  ready 
to  embalm  his  memory  with  recollections  of  his  worth 
and  come  forth  to  sympathize  with  a  dear  church  and 
people  deprived  of  an  able  and  devoted  pastor,  and  with 
an  affectionate  wife  and  daughter,  bereft,  by  this  afflic- 
tive providence,  of  one  of  the  kindest  husbands  and 
fathers. 

On  my  arrival  at  Albany,  from  a  summer  tour,  I  was 
apprized  of  the  extreme  illness  of  brother  C,  and  sought 
an  early  admission  into  his  sick  chamber.  I  found  him 
very  low,  and  still  wasting  away  under  the  influence  of 
disease.  Yet  it  was  a  privilege  to  be  there.  For  there 
one  might  see  the  value  of  the  Christian  religion,  in  its 
sustaining,  consoling,  and  inspiring  influence  over  a 
spirit  holding  but  a  trembling  tenure  on  mortal  existence. 
Did  I  intend  this  as  an  obituary  of  our  departed  brother 
I  should  love  to  indulge  in  reflections  cal'..'  into  exist- 
ence while  standing  by  his  dying  couch. 

But  expecting  that  the  Christian  community  will  soon 
receive  a  somewhat  detailed  account  of  his  life,  illness 
and  death,  I  shall  not  anticipate  such  a  notice,  further 
than  to  mention  some  few  of  his  dying  accents  which 

13 


196 


MEMO  in     OP 


It  1 


were  heard,  perhaps,  by  none,  but  myself.    And  here  1 
must  necessarily  suppress  my  inclination,  while  1  men- 
tion but  a  few  of  these  choice  sayings.    On  being  pre- 
sented to  his  bed  side,  he  reached  forth  his  trembling 
hand  and  said,  "  I  am  glad  to  seo  you,  dear  brother  W., 
I  never  enjoyed  the  society  of  my  friends  more  than  dur- 
ing this  protracted  sickness— you  see  where  I  am— I 
have  long  been  confined  to  my  house,  and  much  of  the 
time  unable  to  leave  my  bed;  but  it  is  all  right."    After 
a  moment's  pause,  durina  which  I  asked  him  respecting 
his  reii,^ious  enjoyment,  he  said,  "you  know  that  1  have 
stron<r  "attachments  to  life.    I  am  happy  in  my  family, 
happy  in  my  church,  and  I  am  always  glad  when  an 
opportunity  is  offered  me  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  perish- 
ing sinners,  yet  I  trust  I  am  willing  to  resign  all  into  the 
hands  of  Jesus.    I  know  in  whom  I  have  believed,  and 
he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed  to  him, 
and  to  take  care  of  my  friends  until  that  day  when  He 
shall  come." 

Here,  he  seemed  to  have  forgotten  that  he  was  ill,  or 
that  he  was  in  any  degree  laboring  under  the  enfeebling 
influence  of  disease,  while  he  summoned  together  the 
strength  of  one  in  health,  and  expatiated  at  some  length 
upon^the  glorious  rest  which  awaits  the  blessed  in  heaven. 
So  animared  did  he  become  on  this  subject,  as  to  excite 
our  fears  that  he  would  exhaust  the  little  strength  re- 
maining to  him.  Indeed,  it  was  with  difficulty  that  we 
could  prevail  upon  him  to  defer  his  remarks  to  another 
occasion. 

During  a  subsequent  visit  to  his  bed  chamber,  he  spoke 
freely  of'the  fullness  there  is  in  Christ,  and  of  the  com- 
plete redemption  which  the  Savior  had  effected  for  be- 
lievers. 

«  When  I  think,"  said  he,  "  of  what  we  are  by  nature 
and  what  we  shall  be  by  grace,  I  am  lost  in  astonish- 


ALAN80N    L.    CO  VE  LL. 


197 


ment  and  admiration.  I  can  compare  myself,  as  a  sin- 
ner, to  nothing  more  fitly  than  to  one  of  those  insigr.ifi. 
cant  and  destructive  insects,  which  have  their  habitation 
in  the  dustj  and  then  again  I  look  at  myself,  and  see 
through  the  redemption  of  Christ  I  am  to  be  an  angel  of 
light,  to  be  elevated  from  the  dust  and  made  complete  in 
righteousness." 

"  O  how  we  are  inclined  to  forget  one  very  important 
pa  •♦  of  the  Savior's  work  of  redemption.    We  think  of 
the  spirit,  and  loo  often,  of  the  spirit  only.    Never  did  I 
have  such  views  of  the  resurrection  of  our  vile  bodies  and 
their  being  fashioned  into  the  likeness  of  the  Savior's 
glorified  body,  as,  while  I  have  been  on  this  bed  of  sick- 
ness.   The  redemption  of  our  bodies,  O  how  consoling 
the  reflection,  when  I  see  mine  wasting  into  nothing  !» 
''  The  redemption  of  Christ,  how  entire  !  how  finished  !" 
My  last  visit  was  paid  in  company  with  brother  Welch  ; 
after  some  religious  conversation,  prayer  was  offered,  and 
I  was  to  take  my  leave  of  him  forever :  never  shall  I 
forget  that  separation,  and  the  admonition  of  a  dying 
saint.    Taking  my  hand  for  the  last  time,  he  raised  his 
eyes,  and  with  an  expression  of  countenance  which  in- 
dicated the  intensity  of  his  feelings,  he  said,  "Preach 
Christ !  dear  brother,  preach  Christ." 

With  such  au  emphasis  did  he  speak,  and  with  such 
an  expression  of  countenance,  as  to  identify  the  injunc- 
tion with  ray  ministry.  He  seemed  to  say,  if  you  preach, 
preach  Christ,  make  this  the  great  theme  of  your  minis- 
tration. If  you  wish  to  glorify  God  the  Father,  preach 
Christ,-— if  you  would  benefit  the  souls  of  dying  men, 
preach  Christ,--if  you  would  enjoy  peace  in  death,  preach 
Christ. 

Without  further  remarks,  I  present  you  with  some 
extracts  of  a  letter  from  a  sister  of  the  lamented  brother 
whose  memory  is  blessed.    In  the  early  part  of  his  sick- 

13* 


&.     '"4* 


103 


MEMOIR    OP 


ness,  he  had  a  severe  struggle  in  overcoming  a  strong 
desire  to  recover— to  enjoy  the  society  of  his  friends,  and 
to  labor  for  the  cause  of  Christ.  As  the  extracts  will 
show,  he  gained  a  complete  victory  over  such  desires, 
and  resigned  himself  entirely  to  the  will  of  his  Redeem- 
er—"Thy  will  be  done,"  was  a  sentiment  which  he 
often  uttered  and  no  doubt  felt  happy  in  the  resignation. 

James  J.  Woolsey." 

«  Pownal,  VL,  Sept.  28,  1837. 
Dear  brother  Woolsey :— To  redeem  my  promise,  I 
present  you  with  some  recollections  of  my  dear  brother's 

sick  bed. 

The  first  conversation  of  importance  that  now  occurs 
to  mind,  is  a  relation  of  the  conflict  which  cut  him  loose 
from  the  world,  and  enabled  him  to  triumph  in  view  of 
approaching  dissolution.    "  In  a  state  between  sleeping 
and  waking,  said  he,  a  horror,  an  indescribable  horror, 
came  over  me;  I  felt  that  it  was  the  power  of  darkness. 
1  saw  no  being,  heard  no  voices,  and  yet  was  sensible 
that  Death  and  Satan,  were  present  in  person,  and  hold- 
ing discourse  with  me.    "  Aye,"  said  the  tempter,  "  not- 
whhstanding  all  your  professions,  you  will  be  afraid  to 
encounter  death  when  you  come  to  the  trial."    "  I  hope 
not,"  was  my  reply,  "  for  i  have  put  my  trust  in  Him 
who  hath  overcome  death,  and  who  hath  promised  that 
his  grace  shall  be  sufficient."    Death  then  spake,  but  a 
confusedness  attended  his  words ;  something,  however, 
I  distinguished  about  chopping,  alluding  to  one  of  the 
many  forms  in  which  he  appeared  to  the  children  of 
men."    "  With  the  chopping,"  replied  I,  "  I  have  noth- 
ing to  do,  I  trust  I  am  ready  to  meet  my  fate  in  any  man- 
ner my   Heavenly    Father    shall  please    to    appoint." 
«  Look  here  !"  said  Death.    I  turned  in  the  direction  in- 
dicated, and  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  lay  heaps  oa 
heaps,  of  heads  and  trunks,  and  limbs,  in  one  promiscu- 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


190 


ous  confu3ioa!  Never  befbre  had  I  so  deep  a  sense  of 
the  slanghler  death  had  made  in  the  human  family,  i 
gazed  awhile  with  shuddering,  but  turning  to  the  dark 
spectre,  bade  him  look  yonder!  pointing  upward,  and 
behold  that  holy,  happy  throng,  "  that  no  mau  can 
number."  «  Those,"  said  I,  "have  through  the  grace  of 
our  Lord  Jeius  Christ,  gotten  the  victory  over  death,  and 
are  now  rejoicing  before  the  throne."  "  Aye,"  replied 
tlie  tempter,  "but  how  do  you  know  that  you  shall  ever 
get  there  ?»  And  then,  said  ray  brother,  I  fell  to  pray- 
ing with  ray  might.  The  vision  vanished,  and  I  awoke 
happy  in  the  embrace  of  my  Redeemer."  Whatever 
may  be  thought  of  the  exercises  of  the  mind  by  night, 
this,  in  connexion  with  a  dream  of  the  hour  before,  was 
blest  to  his  spiritual  good.  It  ended  the  long  struggle, 
between  the  desire  of  being  restored  to  hpaith,  and  Ihe 
desire  to  be  entirely  subniissive  to  the  w .  of  God.  It 
somehow  unclasped  the  tendrils,  which  so  closely  bound 
him  to  the  objects  of  his  care,  was  the  means  of  enabling 
him  to  turn  the  currant  of  his  thoughts,  and  set  the  affec- 
tions of  his  heart,  more  intensely  oi  things  heavenly 
and  divine.  Speaking  to  Mrs.  Covell  the  next  day,  *'  O  ! 
my  dear,  said  he,  how  happy  we  shall  be  when  we  all 
get  through ;  we  have  been  about  together  a  great  deal, 
but  never  home.  I  feel  that  I  am  going  first,  but  I  hav« 
a  promise  that  our  separation  will  be  short.  Soon  to 
you  as  well  as  me  the  blessed  word  will  come,  '  Child, 
your  father  calls,  come  home.'" 

He  was  disappointed,  however,  in  not  going  so  soon 
as  he  expected.  Delighted  indeed  would  have  been  his 
feelings,  could  he  then  have  soared  to  heaven  on  the 
wing  of  fresh  emancipation  ;  but  his  faith  and  patience 
were  destined  to  longer  and  severer  trial.  "Phe  possi- 
bility that  this  might  be  the  case,  occurred  to  his  mind, 
as  the  following  day  wore  on,  and  he  found  no  material 


200 


M  EM  01  R     OF 


change  in  his  condilion.    Towards  night,  as  Mrs.  C.  and 
I  were  supporting  him  in  bed,  he  spake  thus,  "  What  do 
you  think,  both  of  you?  am  I  anticipating  time,  and  dy- 
ing in  imagination  sooner  than  in  reality  ?»    We  replied 
that  it  was  impossible  for  us  to  know  the  hour  when  the 
Son  of  man  would  come.    *'  Well,"  said  he,  "  the  will  of 
the  Lord  be  done."    And  the  blessed  Lord  did  enable 
hi;n  to  carry  out  this  heavenly  feeling  into  the  long  de- 
tails  of  a  distressing    and   protracted   sickness.      The 
gnawing  hunger,  and  the  parching  thirst;  the  distressmg 
nausea,  and  the  quivering  pain,  were  endured  by  him,  as 
one  conscious  that  he  was  suffering  the  will  of  God.    If 
occasional  impatience  arose,  he  quelled  it  instantly,  and 
would  say,  "  well,  after  all,  it  cannot  be  said  of  me  that 
I  '  have  come  out  of  great  tribulation.'  " 

****** 
Brother  continued  to  fail  until  Wednesday,  the  20th 
inst      Then  came  the  welcome  summons.    But  so  gen- 
tly was  the  icy  signal  laid,  that  we  could  scarce  believe 
it  Death. 

And  when  I  saw  him  fold  his  arms  across  his  breast 
and  motion  for  more  covering,  I  remembered  Bryant's 
beautiful  description  of  a  similar  scene,  and  felt  that  I 
had  the  literal  illustration  before  me  of  one  ''who  wrap- 
ped the  drapery  of  his  couch  about  him,  and  lay  down  to 
pleasant  dreams."      Truly,    « the  chamber    where  the 
good  man  meets  his  fate,  is  privileged  beyond  the  com- 
mon walks  of  life."  At  four  P.  M.,  the  empty  casket  was 
•  all  remaining  unto  us.     The  precious  gem  had  been   si- 
lently but  finally  withdrawn,  and  was  no  doubt  glittering, 
expanding,  rejoicing  in  soi  ,;s  of  everlasting  deliverance. 
There  in  the  grand  cabinet  of  the  Redeemer's  jewels, 
will  it  a^ait  the  glorious  re-setting  he  speaks  of  to  you. 
O  !  let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous  and  let  my  last 


>»»/-»r\r\itn/»  — 


end  be  like  his.  On  Friday  afiemooa  Dr.  W  exC  a  proacanc 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


201 


ed  the  funeral  discourse  from  these  words— "Tf  ye  loved 
me,  ye  would  rejoice  because  f  nd,  I  go  unto  the  Fath- 
er." 

In  the  hope  of  again,  and.  ii  Jhe  Lord  will,  soon  meet- 
ing with  you  here,  and  of  the  far  more  joyful  raeciing 
hereafter,  I  subscribe  myself  your  friend  and  sister. 

Mrs.  D.  C.  Brown." 

Deeming  that  any  farther  remarks  on  the  character  of 
our  precious  friend,  would  come  with  a  belter  grace  from 
some  other  pen  than  mine,  I  have  made  the  following 
selections  from  the  funeral  sermon: 

''With  you,  beloved  mourners,  on  this  day  of  heavy- 
trial,  we  most  sincerely  and  affectionately  sympathize— 
we  feel  that  your  loss  is  on  earth  irreparable.  There 
must  be  many  tender  and  mournful  recoUcciions  con- 
nected with  the  memory  of  the  kind,  fliithful,  devoted 
husband,  of  the  attached  and  amiable  brother,  who  derived 
so  much  of  his  own  happiness  from  the  domestic  circle, 
and  never  failed  by  his  presence  there,  to  impart  it.  But 
we  cannot  better  express  our  sympathy  in  your  sorrows 
than  by  referring  you  to  the  sacred  sources  of  comfort 
and  peace,  which  the  gospel  presents.  To  the  truth  so 
forcibly  expressed  in  the  text,  that  your  loss  is  to  him 
unspeakable  gain;  that  while  you  mourn  the  distressing 
deprivation  on  earth,  he  rejoices  in  the  possession  of  the 
incorruptible,  undeliled  and  unfading  inheritance  on  highj 
that  he  has  gone  to  the  Father.  We  are  happy  in  the 
reflection  that  this  holy  consolation  is  appreciated,  that 
we  now  appeal  to  hearts  who  have  already  received  the 
impress  of  the  Savior's  truth,  and  trusted  in  his  love  and 
power.        ******** 

The  loss  to  the  Zion  of  God  is  great,  and  must  be  se- 
verely felt  in  this  place.  But  a  bereaved  church  may 
also  find,  in  the  language  of  the  text,  a  sacred  motive  to 
submission  and  a  sweet  source  of  consolation. 


El 


202 


MEMOIR     OP 


If  you  loved  hiriij  and  none  can  question  your  affec- 
tionate regard  for  your  Pastor,  who  brake  unto  you  the 
bread^of  life;  uirected  your  faith  and  hopes  to  their  glo- 
rious objects,  unveiled  the  excellencies  of  your  Savior, 
and  encouraged  your  confidence  in  his  faithfulness  and 
power.    If  you  love  God,  the  memc  7  of  his  faithful 
servant  is  precious,  and  will  be  lonff  cherished  by  those 
who  were  favored  with  his  friendship  or  enjoyed  the 
advantages  of  his  labors.    For  of  him  it  may  be  truly 
said,  that  the  cross  of  Christ  was  his  glory  and  his  joy ; 
that  his  tongue  never  tired  or  faltered  in  proclaiming  his 
truth,  while  his  life  presented  a  beautiful  exemplification 
of  its  holy  influence.    The  removal  of  the  faithful  Pas- 
tor is  indeed  a  just  cause  for  sorrow,  nor  can  I  believe 
that  submissive  tears  are  offensive  to  him  who  wept  with 
the  sisters  of  Bethany,  by  the  grave  of  their  brother.— 
Yet  if  you  love  him,  you  will  not  regret  his  early  sum- 
mons to  the  presence  of  the  father  and  to  the  mansions 
of  the  blessed.    Though  you  mourn  the  loss  of  his  soci- 
ety and  counsels,  his  ministry  and  example,  you  will 
rejoice  that  he  has  attained  "the  end  of  his  faith  ;"  that 
though  taken  from  you,  he  has  gone  to  receive  the  gra- 
cious rewards  of  his  self-denying  labors,  and   now  re- 
joices in  the  blessedness  of  the  dead,  "who  die  in  the 
Lord." 

Before  I  conclude  this  discourse,  I  am  desirous  of  call- 
:ng  your  attention  to  the  usefulness  of  his  life,  and  the 
triumph  of  his  death.  1  am  aware  that  the  eulogy  of 
the  dead  is  not  at  all  times  productive  of  the  happiest 
moral  results.  But  it  must  be  conceded  that  there  are 
times,  and  instances  of  mortality,  which  render  it  not 
only  proper,  but  highly  important;  that  we  may  be  influ- 
enced by  virtuous  example,  and  that  our  grief  may  be 
ganctified  to  our  spiritual  improvement.  The  present  is 
to  my  mind  such  an  occasion.    I  am  also  reminded  of 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


203 


the  prohibition  of  my  dear  brother,  upon'this  subjectj 
for  when  assigning  to  me  this  solemn  service,  he  said' 
"Speak  not  of  me,  for  I  am  a  poor,  guilty  sinner,  and 
hope  only  m  the  infinite  grace  of  my  Lord  and  Sa/ior, 
but  improve  my  death  for  the  good  of  my  people."    But 
how  shall  improvement  of  this  affliclive  event  be  at- 
tained, if  we  refer  not  to  what  was  excellent  in  his 
character,  that  we  may  emulate  it;  to  his  triumph  over 
the  last  adversary,  that  we  may  be  encouraged  to  labor 
and  hope  for  the  same  glorious  victory  ?    The  end  con- 
templated will  be,  I  trust,  regarded  as  justifying  this 
reference;  and  I  am  persuaded  that  our  departed  brother, 
who  gave  himself  in  all  the  energies  of  his  mind,  and 
counted  not  his  life  dear  that  he  might  attain  the  same 
great  object,  will  now  approve  it. 

The  life  of  your  lamented  Pastor,  Alanson  L.  CovEL^ 
if  measured  by  his  years  was  short;  he  was  called  from 
the  scene  of  his  labors  in  the  midst  of  his  days.  But  if 
it  be  a  more  just  estimaiion  to  measure  life  by  usefulness, 
then  was  his  most  happily  protracted. 

*  *  *  ♦  * 

His  residence  with  you,  my  brethren,  has  been  short; 
after  a  brief  period  of  less  than  two  years,  of  delightful 
and  profitable  intercourse,  the  holy  relation  has  been 
dissolved  and  he  has  been  summoned  to  go  to  the  father; 
yet  I  am  persuaded  that  he  must  long  live  in  your  affec- 
tions. His  tender  concern  for  all  your  interests,  his 
generous  sympathy  in  all  your  sorrows,  his  ever  prompt 
responses  to  the  varied  calls  of  duty,  his  faithful  and 
affectionate  dispensation  of  the  word  of  life,  must  have 
all  contributed  to  render  him  dear  to  your  hearts.  "  You 
are  witnesses  and  God  also,  how  holily,  and  justly,  and 
unblameably,  he  behaved  himself  among  you;  and  how 
he  exhorted,  and  comforted,  and  charged  every  one  of 
you,  as  a  father  doth  his  children,  that  you  should  walk 


l;.'fi 


{l:r1 


S  I,. 


f* 


'k'fA^i 


204 


MEMOIR  OF 


worthy  of  G*d  who  hath  called  you  to  his  kingdom  and 
glory."    1  Thess.,  2  chap.,  10,  12.    Limited  as  has  been 
the  duration  of  his  ministry  among  you,  it  has  been 
attended  with  the  clearest  evidence  of  his  fidelity,  and 
the  most  gracious  manifestations  of  the  divine  approba- 
tion.   For  in  addition  to  the  mournful  testimony  of  your 
tears  this  day,  we  have  the  interesting  confirmation  in 
the  happy  results  of  that  ministry.    One  hundred  and 
six  members  have  been  added  to  the  church,  seventy- 
eight  of  whom  were  received  upon  profession  of  their 
faith  in  the  ordinance  of  baptism.    That  ministry,  my 
brethren,  upon  which  God  has  thus  graciously  set  his 
seal,  cannot  be  soon  forgotten  by  you,  and  its  sanctified 
effects  will,  I  trust,  be  experienced,  and  exhibited  long 
after  these  mortal  remains  have  returned  to  their  native 
dust.    It  was  characterized  by   that  amiable  sweetness 
of  disposition,  for  which  he  was  so  remarkable.    In  the 
pulpit,  he  seemed  to  respire  in  an  atmosphere  of  holy 
charity;  his  heart  evidently  yearning  in  all  the  warmth 
and  tenderness  of  christian  love,  over  the  condition  of 
perishing  men.    He  sought  to  convince  and  persuade, 
not  to  terrify  and  confound;  to  win  souls  to  Christ,  not 
with  boisterous  declamation  and  fearful  images  of  divine 
wrath,  but  to  draw  them  with  the  cords  of  love  from 
error  and  sin,  "beseeching  men  in  Christ's  stead  to  be 
reconciled  to  God."    Yet  was  he  faithful  to  his  high 
trust  as  the  messenger  of  a  Holy  God.    He  failed  not  to 
warn  sinners  day  and  night  with  tears.     So  faithful,  that 
I  do  not  fear  to  say,  that  if  any  of  this  congregation 
should  die  in  impenitence  and  unbelief,  and  fall  in  the 
final  condemnation  of  the  wicked,  your  late  Pastor  is 
clear  of  your  blood;  his  voice  aflectionately,  but  une- 
quivocally interposed  its  frequent  and  solemn  admonition 
between  you  and  death.    "Knowing  the  terrors  of  the 
Lord  he  persuaded  men."  » 


ALAN80N    L.    COVBLL. 


205 


But  it  was  his  delight  to  expatiate  upon  the  attractions 
of  religion;  to  preach  Christ  in  the  grace  of  his  offices, 
the  completeness  of  his  work,  the   excellencies  of  his 
character,  and  the  glories  of  his  cross  and  throne.    The 
Savior  was  enthroned  in  the  affections  of  his  own  heart, 
and  he  fell  it  his  s^veetest  privilege  to  recommend  him 
to  you,  in  all  the  fulness  of  his  grace  and  truth,  the 
glorious  Mediator,  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost.    Some 
of  his  last  expressions  furnish  an  affecting  illustration  of 
this  characteristic  of  his  ministry.    A  few  days  previous 
to  his  death,  while  standing  at  his  bed  side,  he  put  his 
arm  around  my  neck  and  gently  drew  my  ear  to  his  lips, 
when  in  a  voice  tremulous  and  faint  through  weakness, 
he  whispered,  "My  dear  brother,  preach  Christ."    And 
then  as  if  fearing  a  misapprehension  of  his  meaning, 
added,  "1  know  you  do,  but  I  want  you  to  preach  more  of 
Christ;  tell  men  of  his  power,  of  his  compassion,  of  his 
glory;  call  upon  them  to  love  and  trust  him.     01  never 
did  I  know  so  much  of  his  grace  and  glory  as  at  this 
moment;  never  did  I  see  him  so  lovely,  so  precious  be- 
fore."   Ah!  my  brethren,  he  knew  much  then;  when 
on  the  verge  of  eternity,  -'underneath  were  everlasting 
arms,"  and  the  light  of  a  Savior's  countenance  shining 
upon  his  departing  soul.    He  then  knew  the  sweetness 
of  l)is  love,  his  power  to  raise  poor,  frail,  sinking  human- 
ity above  the  weakness  of  the  flesh,  above  the  pains  and 
terrors  of  death ;  but  he  knows  more  now,  unutterably 
more!  for  he  lives  where  the  full  glories  of  God  and  the 
Lamb  are  revealed.    He  "beholds  his  face  in  righteous- 
ness." 

Then  why  should  we  dwell  upon  these  recollections 
of  fic'elity,  affection  and  usefulness,  enhancing  the  sor- 
row with  which  we  bear  his  body  to  the  grave?  It  is 
enough  that  the  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed;  that  the 
righteous  shall  be  had  in  everlasting  remembrance ;  that 


%% 

m 


506 


MEMOIR  OF 


our  brother  can  not  die.  It  is  enough  that  it  is  the  will 
of  our  Heavenly  Father  thus  to  test  the  faith  and  sub- 
mission of  his  people.  It  is  more  than  enough  to  silence 
our  complaints,  to  solace  our  hearts,  and  render  us  grate- 
fully submissive  to  know  that  he  has  gone  "fo  the  father  J^ 

His  last  illness,  although  attended  with  the  excruciat- 
ing pains  inseparable  from  the  disease  that  sundered  the 
cords  of  life,  furnished  a  bright  and  beautiful  exhibition 
of  the  passive  graces  of  the  Holy  Spirit.    Meekness, 
patience,    humiliiy,    submissive    confidence,    were   the 
weapons  wiih  which  he  achieved  a  glorious  victory  over 
the  destroyer.    Though  his  sufferings  were  great,  they 
were  sustained  with  the  most  exemplary  fortitude.    He 
seemed  literally  to  "endure  as  seeing  him  *vho  is  invisi- 
ble."   His  only  anxiety  was  that  he  might  suffer  with 
becoming  submission;  that  he  might  glorify  God  in  the 
fires;  that  he  might  not  become  restless  and  impatient 
under  their  intensity.    When  about  to  unite  in  prayer 
with  him,  he  frequently  requested,  "Ask  of  the  Lord  for 
me,  that  I  may  be  entirely  reconciled  to  ihe  divine  will. 
O !  for  more  of  this  precious  grace."    And  the  desire  of 
his  heart  was  granted.    I  have  often  witnessed  the  clos- 
ing scene  of  life,  and  rejoiced  in  the  good  man's  triumph 
over  weakness,  pain  and  death;  bui  never  have  I  seen 
this  precious  grace  more  energetically  exercised,  or  its 
tranquillizing  power  more  clearly  evinced.    His  disease 
was  pulmonary,  and  though  resisted  by  the  highest  pro- 
fessional talent,  by  the  incessant  attentions  of  his  anx- 
ious fiiends,  and  by  the  prayers  of  those  who  knew  the 
importance  of  his  life  to  the  church  of  God,  human  skill 
and  sympathy  were  alike  in  vain.    It  slowly,  but  irresist- 
ibly progressed  to  a  fatal  termination,  and  our  brother 
ileeps  in  Jesus. 

It  is  consolatory  to  know  that  when  dying,  as  while 
livin^  he  t^ave  his  decided  testimony  to  the  power  and 


AL  ANSON    L.    CO  7£LL  . 


807 


grace  of  the  Savior  of  men.  When  passing  through  the 
gloomy  valley,  his  i  :  was  illumined  by  the  presence  of 
his  God.  The  truths  he  had  preached  to  others,  thro' 
this  trying  scene,  were  the  support  and  joy  of  his  own 
soul;  the  rod  and  staff  of  his  God  comforted  him.  My 
visits  to  his  bed-side  were  frequent;  yet  in  no  instance 
could  I  discover  a  cloud  upon  his  mind.  While  he  man- 
ilested  the  most  acute  sensibility  with  regard  to  his 
moral  imperfections,  his  unworthiness  and  guilt  in  the 
sight  of  God,  and  often  adverted  to  it  in  the  most  affect- 
ing language;  yet  was  his  faith  confident,  his  hope 
strong,  all  the  prospect  bright  and  inviting.  His  sun 
was  evidently  descending  in  unclouded  beauty.  For 
him  to  die  was  gain.  He  often  assured  me,  in  reply  to 
my  inquiries,  not  only  that  death  had  no  terrors  for  him, 
but  that  he  discerned  in  him  a  friend  sent  to  conduct  him 
to  his  father's  house.  On  one  occasion,  upon  askin^^ 
how  he  had  passed  the  night,  he  said,  "We\\,very  iceU; 
I  have  had  a  blessed  night;  there  is  no  rest  indeed  for 
this  poor  body,  but  my  soul  has  found  a  sweet  rest  in 
Christ."  He  was  uniformly  composed,  tranquil,  happy 
in  his  Savior.  But  there  were  moments  when  he  en- 
joyed in  an  eminent  degree  the  consolations  of  the  spirit, 
a  sweet  fore-taste  of  future  blessedness.  It  was  my 
privilege  to  be  with  him  duiing  one  of  these  precious 
seasons,  and  he  said  to  me  with  great  earnestness,  "0 
this  is  too  much!  it  is  too  much!  This  strong  impress- 
ion of  the  presence  and  love  of  God  is  more  than  ray 
poor,  weak  body  can  endure."  I  was  not  only  refreshed 
and  comforted  with  this  new  demonstration  of  the  power 
of  the  religion  of  the  cross,  but  my  mind  was  deeply 
impressed  with  the  solemnity  of  the  scene.  It  appeared 
holy  ground,  consecrated  by  the  presence  of  the  Holy 
Onb,  who  had  come  down  into  the  chamber  of  his  dying 
servant,  in  ail  the  fulness  of  his  grace  and  condescen- 
sion. O!  it  is  easy,  it  is  delightful,  to  die  with  such 
supports  and  consolations. 


208 


MEMOIR     or 


"  Life  take  thy  chance, 
But,  O !  for  such  an  end." 
"Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord,  that  they 
may  rest  from  their  labors  and  their  works  do  follow 

them."  ,.    , .  ,      . 

Neither  the  pains  which  he  suffered,  nor  the  high  spir- 
itual enjoyment  of  which  he  was  the  subject,  could  so 
engross  his  thoughts  as  to  exclude  anxiety  for  the  salva- 
tion of  those  he  loved,  and  you  shared  largely  in  his 
regards.    For  this  church,  for  this  congregation,  for  those 
who  this  day  weep  under  the  bereaving  hand  of  God ; 
for  those  who  feel  little  concern  for  their  own  immortal 
interests,  he  was  deeply  anxious  to  the  last  moment.— 
He  knew  the  value  of  the  Gospel  by  what  he  had  experi- 
enced of  its  consolations,  and  he  wished  his  brethren  to 
possess  them  richly,  that  the  sacred  peace  it  imparts 
should  ever  "keep  your  hearts  and  minds,"  that  you 
might  live  above  the  world ;  escape  its  snares  and  pollu- 
tions, and  enjoy  the  full  blessedness  of  a  well-grounded, 
glorious  hope.    He  deeply  felt  for  tho=e  who  are  desti- 
tute of  its  consolations;  and  especially  for  those  to  whom 
in  this  place  he  had  ministered  in  holy  things.    His  fre- 
quent inquiry  concerning  the  spiritual  condition  of  one, 
and  another  of  the  congregation  whose  recent  serious- 
ness had  induced  in  him  the  hope  that  ihey  were  not  far 
from  the  kingdom  of  God,  evinced  how  strongly  this 
feeling  had  possession  of  his  mind;  how  great  was  his 
love  for  your  souls.    They  were  incorporated  with  the 
last  prayer  he  addressed  to  a  throne  of  grace,  and  with 
the  last  anxieties  of  his  throbbing  bosom. 

While,  therefore,  you  realize  the  severity  of  your  de- 
privation, and  the  never-failing  sources  of  consolation 
which  the  Gospel  presents,  let  your  minds  be  also  im- 
pressed with  the  solemnity  and  responsibility  of  your 
.  circumstances.  Let  your  departed  Pastor  be  unto  you 
as  one  that  "yet  speakelh,"  and  the  ministry  that  has 


ALAN80N    L.    COVELL. 


209 


now  ceased  forever,  continue  to  exert  a  sanctifying  influ- 
ence  over  your  hearts  and  lives.  Love  and  confide  in 
the  Savior  he  preached.  Obey  tlio  precepts,  discharge 
the  duties  nis  ministry  inculcated.  Guard  against  the 
evils  of  which  he  so  faithfully  warned  you.  Imitate  the 
humility,  the  love,  the  fidelity,  the  zeal  of  which  he  pre- 
sented so  bright  an  example.  Be  ye  followers  of  him  as 
he  followed  Christ,  that  with  him  you  may  triumph  over 
death,  and  go  to  the  father. 

The  following  sermon  was  originally  published  by  the 
society  before  whom  it  was  delivered.  By  the  advice 
of  many  it  is  presented  here. 

Reasons  for  the  formation  of  the  American  and  For- 
eign Bible  Society. 

A  DISCOURSE, 

Delivered  at  the  organization  of  the  Bible  Society  for 
Albany  County  and  its  vicinity,  in  the  meeting-house 
of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in  Westerlo,  August  31, 
1836,  by  A.  L.  Covell,  pastor  of  the  first^Baptist 
Church  in  the  city  Albany. 

Acts  xv.  29.  «  And  the  contention  wns  so  sharp  between  them 
that  they  departed  asunder  one  from  the  oiher."^  "eivveen  tftem, 

The  parties  to  this  contention  were  Paul  and  Barna- 
bas, ministers  and  missionaries  of  the  church  in  Anlioch. 
This  was  the  first  church  gathered  among  the  Gentiles. 
It  was  emphatically  a  missionary  church.  "As  they 
ministered  to  the  Lord  and  fasted,  the  Holy  Ghost  said, 
separate  me  Barnabas  and  Saul  for  the  work  whereunto 
I  have  called  them.  And  when  they  had  fasted  and 
prayed,  they  laid  their  hands  on  them  and  sent  them 
away." 

A  nobler  example  than  this,  of  the  true  missionary 
spirit,  is  not  on  record.  How  ardently  must  that  church 
have  been  attached  to  Barnabas  and  Paul !  How  high- 
ly must  they  have  valued  their  ministry !    Though  there 


i 


)■** 


m 


810 


MEMOIR    or 


wereolher  ministers  in  the  church,  yet  they  seem  to  have 
been  less  activ^^  and  useful.    They  were  called,  there- 
fore, to  settd  th  '\t  hf  '  and  most  beloved  men  on  mission- 
ary'i**vice.     ii  I  have  L  en  a  great  trial  to  their 
faith,  v«t  Oiey   seei.    most  chee-f-iliy  and  unanimously 
to  have  complied  with  thi3  divine  appouument.    They 
iromeaiafely   sent    forth   their    beloved   teachers,    with 
FAsr.^  ^  »ND  1  'UYER,  that  llu  olivine  protection  and  bless- 
ing migsit  Httend  them.    In  uui  labor  of  love,  they  re- 
ceh-d'a  ncU  J.  vtnrd.    After  an  absent  '^f  two  or  three 
years,   their  missionaries    returned   with  the    thrilling 
report  of  converts    multiplied,  of    numerous  churches 
gathered,  and  of  the  wide  diffusion  of  the  gospel  in  dif- 
ferent countries.  . 

After  this,  having  remained  several  years  wiih  the 
church  in  Antioch,  Paul  proposed  to  Barnabas  to  revisit 
the  churches   they   had  gathered,  and  assist  them  m 
whatever  might  be  requisite  to  their  prosperity.     To  this 
proposal,  Barnabas  readily  assented,  and  it  doubtless  re- 
ceived the  approbation  of  the  whole  church.    Barnabas 
•letermined  to  take  with  them  Mark,  who  had  accompa- 
nied them  through  a  part  of  their  former  mission,  but 
returned  before  their  work  was  finished.    Paul  was  un- 
willing to  place  any  dependence  upon  him   again,  and 
decline  his  company  on  the  new  mission.    On  this  point, 
"the  contention  was  so  sharp  between  them,  that  xhey 
.  departed  asunder  one  from  the  other."     Barnabas  and 
Marksailed  to  Cyprus;  while  Paul,  choosing  Silas  for 
his'Otimpanion,  "went  through  Syria  and  Cilicia,  con- 
firming the  churches." 

This  diiiiculty  between  these  first  two  missionaries  to 
the  Gentiles,  was,  no  doubt,  regarded  at  the  time  as  a 
great  evil.  Both  might  have  been  actuated  by  improper 
feeling.  Mark  was  nephew  to  Barnabas,  who  migh' 
have  been  too  partial  to  him  ;  and  a  man  who  had  once 
forsaken  his  work  without  a  good  reason  for  it,  was  not 


AI.AN80M    L.    COCELL. 


Ill 


likely  .0  fmd  mud.  fuvor  with  Paul,  who  ,«m,  nc-cr  to 
have  kanud  how  <o  abandon  a  good  work  ill  i."!" 
accomplished.  ^  "" "  "*» 

It  niisht  have  appeared  lo  many  very  u»wi«  i„  ,l,„.. 
brethren  .0  "depart  asunder  from  eac'h  oTe  e, enTf 
;hey  .ould  no.  agree  .bou,  taking  Mark  W  ,'   tJe; 

considledT"""',''"?""'''  "  "''"'^'  ""■^"«  '-"-  b eea 
considered  a  very  bad  precedent  for  those  mission  ,ries 
<ogtve  the  churches.  Its  iml^ence  upon  all  future  " 
borers  m,ght  have  been  most  unhappy    while    h'tene 

aoctr  nt  of  Cl.ris!,  and  despise  i„  promoter,.    Dut  "how 
ean  two  walk  tojelher,  except  tl  ey  be  agreed?"    A„d 
what  ,s  the  ben.it  of  keeping'up  thi  app^a  ale  of  un 
on,  'vl,«  the  reality  of  it  does  not  exist      These    pos- 
les  won  d  not,  could  not,  act  on  this  principle.     fTey 
could  no  go  out  amicably  together,  thjy  would  sepa    te 
The  Held  was  wide  enough  for  both,  and  eacrwulj 
dtoose  hts  companion,  prosecute  his  labor,  and  truT  „ 
God  lor  the  results;  and  it  h  easy  now  to    ee  that^L  ^ 
good  resulted  from  their  decisio'n.    A.  feVon ly  on 
mtsston  had  been  rontemplated,  and  Paul  and  Ba  nab" 
were  ,o  have  been  the  only  laborers,  but  by  the^se,7r" 
.on,  two  ...ssions  were  undertaken  by  four  labor    s, 
he  same  t.me-so  that  the  whole  aJr  "turned  ou,fo 
the  furtherance  of  the  gospel." 

This  narrative  was  certainly  written  for  our  instru- 
.on.    It  shows  us,  that  even  good  »««  can  not  7Zs 

S'"th  tif"  r"  °'"""  ""  "-"--ion  Ifh 

world,  that  f  they  can  not  agree,  they  had  better  sen 

rate;  and  that  much  greater  food  can  be  effected    yl' 

honorable  separation,  than  by  an  endeavor  to  ac  in  con 

rj::''"^^  ^°""""-"="  ^'"'^ «-  --^'^ «  "w 

I  shall  not,  on  this  occasion 


F/i  tnn. 


"-!.-  - 


14 


•j  -•  -  u.iai  i\. 


ou  cijuer  t»f  (hose 


212 


MEMOIR    OP 


points,  important  as  thay  are  to  all  who  pray  and  labor 
for  the  world's  conversion;  but  I  will  take  occasion  from 
them  to  remark  on  another  and  quite  recent  occurrence, 
connected  with  the  same  great  cause,  attended  by  cir- 
cumstances which  all  deplore,  but  which  will,  I  doubt 
not,  be  overruled  in  the  good  providence  of  God,  for  the 
far  more  vigorous  promotion  of  the  cause  of  missions, 
and  will  result  in  the  conversion  of  more  souls  to  God. 
I  allude  to  events  which  have  transpired  in  the  American 
Bible  Society  within  the  past  year;  events  which  have 
sundered  from  that  society  the  largest  christian  denom- 
ination in  America,  and  which  have  led  to  the  formation 
of  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.    Most  per- 
sons in  this  community  are  aware  that  such  a  separation 
has  occurred,  and  that  the  last  named  society  has  been 
OT'-anized;  but  with  the  causes  which  led  to  it,  and  with 
the  circumstances  attending  it,  many  are  not  yet  familiar. 
As  the  aid  of  our  churches,  and  of  the  friends  of  truth 
who  act  wiih  us,  will  hereafter  be  solicited  in  favor  of 
the  A.  &  F.  B.  S.,  and  not  as  heretofore  for  the  A.  B.  S., 
they  have  a  right  to  expect  from  us  the  reasons  for  this 
new  measure.    In  almost  all  our  congregations,  the  fre- 
quent  inquiry  is,  "Why  have  you  formed  a  new  Bible 
Society?    What  do  you  intend  to  accomplish  by  it/ 
Are  you  not  willing  to  unite  with  all  christians  in  giving 
the  Bible  to  mankind,  without  note  or  comment?"  These 
inquiries  ought  to  receive  a  direct  and  satisfactory  an-. 
Bwer     I  do  not  wish  any  man  to  feel  the  least  sympathy 
for  the  new  society;  I  do  not  desire  him  to  offer  one 
prayer  for  its  prosperity,  or  to  contribute  a  farthing  for  its 
promotion,  unless  there  is  good  reason  to  believe  it  is 
approved  of  God.    If  it  be  not  of  God,  let  n  fall!    But 
if  it  be  of  God,  let  us  sustain  it  by  our  prayers,  and  by 
our  liberality,  in  a  manner  worthy  of  its  righteous  oRi- 

i    «r    itr^    Ktn-nj  V    AIMfl- 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


213 


I  labor 
n  from 
rence, 
by  cir- 
[  doubt 
for  the 
issions, 
to  God. 
nerican 
:h  have 
denom- 
rmatioQ 
[o5t  per- 
paratioa 
las  beea 
nd  with 
familiar, 
of  truth 
favor  of 
A.  B.  S., 
s  for  this 
,  the  fre- 
ew  Eible 
h  by  it? 
in  giving 
?"  These 
ctory  an-, 
sympathy 
offer  one 
ing  for  its 
lieve  it  is 
fall!    But 
ir?j  and  by 

TEOUS  ORl- 


The  object  to  be  accomplished  by  the  A.  &  P.  B.  S. 
is  stated  in  its  Constitution.  The  first  article  declares, 
that  its  ''single  object  shall  be  to  promote  a  wider  circu- 
lation of  the  Holy  Sciiptures,  in  the  most  faithful  ver- 
sions that  can  be  procured."  The  second  article  requires, 
that  "the  Society  shall  add  its  efforts  to  those  employed 
by  other  Societies,  in  circulating  the  Scriptures  accord- 
ing to  its  ability,  in  all  lands,  whether  Christian,  Ma- 
homedan  or  Pagan."  Its  object  all  will  approve.  It  is 
simply  to  give  the  Pure  Word  of  God  to  all  our  fellow 
men  who  do  not  possess  it. 

Our  present  inquiry,  then,  is  this :  Why  is  it  that  the 
Baptist  denominatiDn  can  not  continue  united  with  the 
A,.  B.  S.  in  translating  and  circulating  the  Bible  in  for- 
eign languages,  as  they  have  done  for  years  past? 

Some  of  the  principal  facts  and  circumstances  which 
have  imposed  upon  us  the  necessity  of  withdrawing  from 
the  A.  B.  S.,  so  far  as  the  transiaiion  and  distribution  of 
the  Bible  in  foreign  languages  are  concerned,  will  now 
be  given.  They  are  such,  I  think,  as  will  appear  suffi- 
cient to  justify  the  formation  of  a  new  Bible  Society, 
and  to  give  it  a  very  high  claim  upon  the  prayers  and 
munificence  of  an  enlightened  christian  public. 

In  1832,  Mr.  William  Yates,  Baptist  missionary  in 
Calcutta,  published  "A  Revised  avd  Improved  Edition 
of  the  Bengalee  New  Tcslamcnt."  It  was  first  trans- 
lated by  Dr.  Cary,  and  published  by  him  in  1803.— 
"During  the  life  of  Dr.  C.  it  passed  through  seven  or 
eight  editions,  each  of  which  had  the  advantage  of  his 
critical  supervision." 

"Mr.  Yates  went  to  Calcutta  in  1814,  made  himself 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  Bengalee  language,  and 
preached  many  years  with  much  acceptance  and  success 
to  the  natives  of  Bengal.  He  is  acknowledged  by  com- 
petent judges  in  Europe,  as  well  as  in  Asia,  to  be  one  of 
the  best  Oriental  scholars  now  alive  j  and  his  Bengalee 

14* 


[iJfj 

y 


214 


MEMOIR    OP 


New  Testament  has  received  from  learned  pundits  and 
teachers  of  Calcutta  the  most  unqualified  commenda- 
tion."   For  assistance  in  publishing  this  edition  of  the 
New  Testament,  Mr.  Yates  applied  to  the  British  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society.    His  application  was  referred 
to  the  Calcutta  Bible  Society,  Auxiliary  to  the  British 
and  Foreign.    This  society,  in  1831,  refused  to  encour- 
age any  version  in  which  the  word  baptizo  was  trans- 
lated to  immerse ;  and  this  was  followed  by  a  similar 
step  on  the  part  of  the  parent  society  in  1833.    The 
history  of  these  transactions  is  given  by  the  missionaries 
themselves,  in  a  letter  dated  ihe  25th  of  May,  1832.—- 
"Some  years  since,"  they  say,  "three  of  the  Pedobaptist 
brethren,  unknown  to  us,  though  on  the  most  friendly 
terms  with  us,  wrote  to  the  Bible  Society  in  England, 
requesting  them  not  to  give  assistance  to  any  Indian 
version,  in  which  the  wcrd  baptizo  was  translated  to 
immerse.    None  of  these  lived  to  see  the  reply  to  their 
communication^  and  nothing  further  of  a  positive  nature 
was  done  till  last  year.    When  you  applied  to  the  Bible 
Society  in  England  for  assistance  to  our  version,  the 
Secretary  of  the  parent  institution  wrote  to  the  Bible 
Society  in  Calcutta,  stating,  without  any  reference  to 
baptism,  that  if  the  version  was  considered  a  good  one, 
it  was  their  wish  to  afford  assistance.    The  resolution 
they  forwarded,  was  as  follows:    "That  the  above  ap- 
plication respecting  an  edition  of  the  Bengalee  New 
Testament,  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  the  Calcutia 
Auxiliary  Society,  with  authority  to  contribute  towards 
the  expense  of  an  edition,  should  they  be  of  opinion  that 
it  ought  to  be  encouraged  by  this  Society."    After  seeing 
this  resolution,  we  inquired  privately  whether  liicy  in- 
tended to  give  us  aid,  but  could  obtain  no  answer.    A 
short  time  afterwards,  in  their  annual  report,  ti»ey  came 
forward  and  boldly  declared  their  sentiments,  intimating, 


ALANSON    L.    CO  VE  LL. 


215 


too  plainly  to  be  misunderstood,  tiiat  they  should  en- 
courage no  version  of  the  Scriptures,  how  well  soever  it 
might  be  executed,  in  which  the  word  haptizo  was  trans- 
lated to  immerse.'^'' 

Here,  then,  the  die  was  cast,  so  far  a§  the  British  and 
Foreign  Bible  Society,  and  its  auxiliaries,  were  con- 
cerned. It  was  impossible  to  receive  assistance  from 
them,  unless  the  translation  was  altered.  This  the 
translator,  could  not  do,  and  preserve  a  good  conscience. 
1  hey  therefore  determined  to  apply  for  assistance  to  the 
American  Bible  Society. 

Their  letter  making  this  application,  was  received  by 
the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  American  Bible  Society, 
on  the  6th  of  August  of  last  year.  It  was  referred  t'o 
the  committee  on  distribution.  After  long  deliberation 
and  discussion,  a  majority  of  the  committee  reported  to 
the  Board,  against  the  application  of  Mr.  Yates.  A 
minority  of  the  committee  presented  a  counter  report 
and  in  favor  of  the  application.  This  was  followed  by 
a  long  discussion  in  the  public  meetings  of  the  Board.— 
The  result  of  it  was,  that  no  assistance  should  be  ren- 
dered to  the  publication  of  the  Bengalee  Nqw  Testament, 
because  it  translated  baptizo,  and  its  kindred  terms,  by 
words  which  in  Bengalee  signify  to  immerse. 

But  this  was  not  all.  They  did  not  confine  their  de- 
cision to  the  single  case  of  Mr.  Yates,  but  adopted  a 
rule  by  which  they  would  be  governed  in  all  cases  here- 
after. The  rule  is  this:  «^s  the  managers  are  now 
called  upon  to  aid  extensively  in  circulating  the  sacred 
scriptures  in  languages  other  than  the  English,  they 
deem  it  their  duty,  in  conformity  to  the  obvious  spirit  of 
their  compact,  to  adopt  the  following  resolution  as  ths 
rule  of  their  conduct  in  making  appropriations  for  th« 
circulation  of  the  scriptures  in  all  foreign  tongues: 
Resolved,  That  in  appropriating  money  for  translating. 


216 


MEMOIR     OP 


printing,  and  distributing  of  the  sacred  scriptures  in  for- 
eign languages,  the  managers  feel  at  liberty  to  encourage 
only  such  versions  as  conform  in  the  principles  of  their 
translation  to  the  common  English  version,  at  least  so 
far  as  that  all  religious  denominatious  connected  with 
this  society  can  consistently  use  and  circulate  said  ver- 
sions in  their  several  schools  and  communities." 

By  the  adoption  of  this  resokition,  three  points  of  very 
great  moment  were  decided:  First,  the  "Revised  and 
Improved  Edition  of  the  Bengalee  New  Testament," 
perhaps  the  most  faWiful  and  perfect  version  ever  made 
in  any  oriental  tongue,  was  rejected  as  unworthy  the 
patronage  of  American  christians!  Though  thirty  mill- 
ions of  our  fellow  men  were  speaking  the  language  of 
Bengal,  and  though  the  New  Testament  in  question  was 
the  only  medium  through  which  they  could  have  access 
to  the  revelation  of  their  Maker's  will,  yet  it  was  re- 
jected, and  the  rejection  plainly  implied  that  they  had 
better  have  no  Bible  in  "their  schools  and  communities" 
than  such  an  one.  They  had  better  grope  on  still  in 
their  darkness,  than  read  a  New  Testament  which  should 
tell  them,  as  plainly  as  Paul  did  the  Romans  and  Colos- 
sians,  that  they  were  "buried  with  Christ  in  baptism." 

Another  point  decided  by  this  resolution,  is,  that  any 
translation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  into  any  language, 
which  shall  render  bapiizo  and  its  cognates  by  terms 
■which  signify  immerse,  should  receive  no  encourage- 
ment from  the  A.  B.  Society.  This  was  a  virtual  dec- 
laration, that  all  aid  should  hereafter  be  withheld  from 
every  translation  of  the  scriptures  which  had  been  made, 
ot  was  now  in  progress,  by  our  denornination.  This 
was  speaking  once  for  all,  and  in  a  manner  too  plain  and 
peremptory  to  be  misunderstood. 

A  third  point  necessarily  implied  in  this  resolution,  is, 
thit  everv  translation  of  the  scriptures  made  by  our  de- 


ALAN80N    L.    COVELL. 


217 


nomination  into  any  language,  is  consiclered  and  treated 
as  sectarian,  and  as  unworthy  to  be  "circulated  in  schooU 
and  conimunities."  This  was  certainly  speaking  very 
loudly  to  us,  and  required  some  action  on  our  parr,  that 
would  be  PUBLIC,  decided,  and  final.  The  luo  largest 
Bible  Societies  in  the  world  had  wholly  and  forever 
refused  all  aid,  and  all  co-operation  with  us  in  giving  tha 
Bible  to  the  heathen,  unless  we  changed  the  prindple 
on  which  our  translations  had  ever  been  made. 

Under  these  circumstances,  only  two  things  were  pos- 
sible. One  was,  to  succumb  to  the  dictation  of  the 
British  and  American  Societies;  throw  away  the  toils, 
and  tears  and  prayers  of  Cary,  and  Marshman,  and 
J^son  and  Yates.  We  should  then  have  only  to  say 
t^r  future  translators,  "When  you  come  to  baptisma, 
or  baptizo,  do  not  pray  to  God  to  enable  you  to  trans- 
late those  words  faithfully.  Do  not,  by  '  diligent  study, 
endeavor  to  ascertain  their  exact  meaning:'  that's  a 
sectarian  proceeding.  You  ^e  not  to  search  the  lan- 
guage into  which  you  translate,  for  words  corresponding 
to  them  in  meaning,  by  which  you  may  give  their  exact 
import  to  those  for  whom  you  are  translating:  that  will 
be  considered  an  attempt  to  make  the  heathen  all  Bap- 
tists. It  will  be  denominated,  both  in  England  and 
America,  'a  scheme  of  proselytism.'  This  we  can  never 
endure.  Therefore,  when  you^lomc  to  these  troublesomt 
words,  read  over  carefully  the  instructions  given  to  th« 
authors  of  the  'Common  English  Version,'  and  proceed 
accordingly."  This  was  one  course  of  action,  open  for 
us  to  pursue.  Another  was,  to  form  a  Bible  Society  of 
our  own,  appoint  our  own  translators,  instruct  them  to 
make  ihe  "most  faithful"  versions  possible  in  all  lan- 
guages into  which  they  should  translate  the  scriptures, 
and  then  submit  those  translations  to  the  supreme  control 
«f  Almighty  God, and  to  the  ealighteued  judgment  of  the 


S18 


MEMOIR     OF 


christian  world.  This  last  alternative  we  have  adopted ; 
and  on  the  thirteenth  of  May  last,  organized^  in  the  city  of 
New- York,  the  American  and  Foreign  Bible  Society. 

We  have  now  in  our  country  two  national  Bible  So- 
cieties. The  point  on  which  they  diflFer  is  easily  under- 
stood, and  should  be  carefully  considered.  It  is  this  : — 
The  A.  B.  Society  requires  that  all  translations  of  the 
Bible  into  foreign  languages,  must,  on  the  subject  of 
baptism,  be  made  on  the  same  principle  with  t!ie  "Com- 
mon English  Version." 

The  A.  &  F.  B.  Society  requires  that  the  words  re- 
lating to  baptism,  shall  be  translated  by  the  same  rule 
that  other  words  are;  that  they  shall  be  faithfully  ren- 
dered by  words  of  the  same  meaning  in  the  langua|tts 
into  which  translations  are  made.        4  w 

This  is  the  only  practical  point  thaT  divides  the  two 
societies.  Let  us,  for  a  moment,  fix  our  attention  upon, 
this  point.  It  is  well  known  that  our  present  English^ 
Bible  was  translated  by  order  of  Kihg  James  of  England, 
and  first  published  in  1611.  By  order  of  the  King,  bap- 
tizo  and  its  kindred  terms  were  not  translated,  but  trans- 
ferred into  the  language.  This  was  introducing  a  new 
word  into  the  language,  a  word  which  no  one  would  un- 
derstand unless  they  were  acquainted  with  Greek,  an 
whose  meaning  they  coiikl  not  ascertain  except  by  in- 
quiring of  their  teachers,  or  from  dictionaries  and  lexi- 
cons. These  words  having  now  been  used  in  our  lan- 
guage more  than  two  hundred  years,  have  become  famil- 
iar to  English  readers,  though  at  first  they  would  have 
conveyed  to  them  no  meaning  whatever.  So  far  as  the 
translation  was  concerned,  therefore,  the  ordinance  of 
baptism  was  left  entirely  in  the  dark.  No  one,  without 
some  knowledge  of  Greek,  could  learn  from  these  words 
in  the  English  Bible,  what  was  the  mind  of  the  Spirit  in 
this  great  duty. 


mmmmm 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


219 


_  Now  the  question  to  be  determined  is,  Was  the  prin- 

wh at  GoTa    '" •^'"'  °"^^    ^'y  -^  ^-  J^^ 
wel  asw^^^^^^^^^  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  as 

.h!   H  .     nu  ^"joined  in  any  other  duty?    Had 

uLlI'     ^r'l  '"''^^'  '"  ^'^^^'  -»-t  it  would  be 
t^nsafetopubhsh  ,n  "plain  English?"  what  the  Amer- 
can  Bible  Society  can  not  "consistently  circulate  in 
schools  and  communities?" 

We  have  also  another  question  to  determine.    How 
ought  christian  missionaries  now  to  be  governed  m  trans 

Ought  Uiey  to  be  bound  by  the  command  of  a  bigoted 

king,  noW  two  hundred  years  in  his  grave:  or  ought^they 

J^?e'?  ''''^  ^^^^'l  of  the  Holy  Bible  as  faithfully  as 

In  April   1833,  the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions 

convened  in  Salem,  Mass.,  instructed  their  mistnrj 

engaged  in  the  translation  of  the  scriptures,  "to  endeav- 

or,  by  earnest  prayer  and  diligent  study,  to  ascertain  the 

precise  meaning  of  the  original  text,  and  to  express  that 

meaning  as  exactly  as  the  nature  of  the  languages  into 

which  they  shall  translate  the  Bible  will  permit,  and  to 

transfer  no  words  which  are  capable  of  being  translated." 

buch  is  the  rule  by  which  our  missionaries  are  to  be 

governed.    Mark  its  simpliciiy|and  its  justice.    First, 

they  are  to  pray  for  divine  help:   That  certainly  is  right! 

Then  they  are  to  "ascertain  the  precise  meaning  of  the 

or-inal  text."    Who  can  object  to  that?    Then  thev 

are  to  "express  that  meaning  as  exactly  as  the  nature  of 

the  languages  inio  which  they  translate  will  permit  "    Is 

that  objectionable?    Then  they  are  directed  to  "transfer 

no  word  which  is  capable  of  being  translated."    And 

why  should  they?    Can  the  heathen  understand  a  Greek 

word  introduced  into  their  language,  betfer  than  a  word 

oi  their  own  with  which  thev  have  ahvavs  bppn  f.^rpiiJo^Q 


5) 


Ud,». 


220 


MEMOIR   OF 


What  possible  objections  to  this  rule  of  translation  can 
be  made  by  any  intelligent,  unprejudiced  chrisiian?  And 
yet  for  literally  following  this  rule,  in  his  revision  of  the 
Bengalee  New  Testament,  Mr.  Yates,  one  of  the  most 
learned  and  pious  missionaries  on  earrh,  has  been  re- 
fused any  encouragement  from  the  A.  B.  Society  in  its 
publication.    Is  this  charitable?     But  this  is  not  all.— 
For  adhering  to  this  rule  in  the  translation  of  the  scrip- 
tures, they   have  refused  all  co-operation  with  the  most 
numerous   denomination    of  christians   connected  with 
them,  of  whose  money  they  have  now  thcusands  intheir 
treasury.    Has  that  been  done  with  an  enlarged  spirit 
of  christian  liberality?     Have  the  men  who  have  done 
this,  above  all  others,  been  washed  white  of  sectarian- 
ism!   Judge   of  their  principle   of  translation   by    |he 
Savior's  golden  rule,  "  As  ye  would  that  men  shouldUo  \ 
to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them."     Suppose  yoa  had  no 
Bible,  and  an  able,  faithful  translator  Avas  about  to  pro- 
vide it  for  you.    Would   you  want   him  to  translate 
"faithfully  "  every  part  of  it,  so  that  you  could  easily 
read  and  understand  it  all  in  your  own  tongue?  Would 
you  be  willing  he  should  ^ivb  you  what  relates  to  bap- 
tism, in  words  you  never  saw  or  heard  of  before?  words 
whose  meaning  you  would  have  to  learn  by  repeated 
inquiry  of  your  teacher,  and  about  which  one  teacher 
would  tell  you  one  thing»and  another,  another?    Could 
you  consent  to  have  him  leave  you  tht!s  in  the  dark  in 
this  matter?     Well,  if  you  would  not  like  to  be  treated 
in  this  manner  yourself,  then,  by  our  Savior's  rule,  you 
ought  not  to  be  willing  any  fellow  creature  should  be 
treated  in  the  same  manner.    And  yet  this  is  exactly 
the  manner  in  which  the  American  Bible  Society  requires 
all  translations  to  be  made,  which  share  its  patronage. 
Let  any  missionary  on  earth,  however  learned  or  pi^us, 
translate  ihe  Bible  into  any  foreign  language,  by  earnest 
prayer  to  God,  by  ascertaining  the  preqise  meaaing  of 


..i^ife,. 


ALANSON    L.    COVELL. 


221 


ihe  original  text,  and  by  expressing  that  meaning  exactly 
ia  the  language  into  which  he  (ranshitcs,  iransferring 
no  word,  but  translating  all,  and  ihe  A.  B.  Society  will 
refuse  him  all  assistance  in  it3  publication!  and  have 
besides  a  standing  resolution,  Avhich  recognizes  such  a 
translation  as  sectarian,  and  unworthy  lo  be  "circulated 
in  schools  and  eommuniiies!"  With  such  a  rule  of 
action,  American  Baptists  never  can  agree;  in  such 
treatment  of  the  heathen  world,  they  can  not  participate; 
to  such  concealment  of  the  word  of  life,  they  can  not  be 
accessory.  On  this  point  the  contention  between  the 
two  Bible  Societies  has  been  ''sharp,"  and  they  are 
"parted  asunder  the  one  from  the  other." 

There  were  other  circumstances,  also,  which  contrib- 
uted to  bring  about  this  result.     Translations  like  those 
which   are   now  rejected,   had  been  patronized  by  the 
British  and  American   Societies,  up  to  the  time   when 
these  diffijuliies  arose.     The  British  and  Foreign  Bible 
Society    had  j)atronized  translations  of  the  scriptures  in 
various  eastern  languages,  made  by   Dr.  Gary,  and  in 
which  the  words  in  dispute  were  rendered  exactly  as 
Yates  and  Judson  now  translate  them.     Ii  was  not  till 
the  year  ISIJS,  that  their  aid  in  printing  and  circulating 
these  versions  was  withheld;  and  the  American  Bible 
Society  had  patronized  versions  of  the  same  kind,  until 
1835.     Now,  when  the  course  of  these  societies  was  so 
suddenly  changed,  and  they  refused  to  patronize  versions 
which  for  years  had  received  their  aid,  it  was  evident 
that  new  motives  and  principles  were  controlling  their 
operations,  and  that  the  denomination  whose   transla- 
tions they    had   entirely  and  forever  rejected  could  no 
longer  co-operate  wi.h  them. 

The  case  was  rendered  still  more  aggravating,  by  the 
fact,  that  while  they  had  patronized  versions  which  ren- 
der baptizo  and  its  cognates  by  terms  signifying  immer- 


222 


MEMOIR     OF 


sion,  other  versions  had  been  as  freely  patronized,  which 
render  the  same  words  by  terms  which  signify  to  sprink- 
le, to  moisten,  to  ioash,  "  to  tliroxo  water  at  any  one, 
&c.    Rev.  J.  S.  Harris,  missionary   to  the  Seneca  Indi- 
ans, translated  the  Gospel  by  Luke  into  their  language 
in  1830.    Mr.  Wright,  his  successor,  says  the  meaning 
of  the  word  most  frequently  used  for  baptize,  is  to  thivw 
water  at  one,  to  sprinkle,  or  spatter  as  children  do  at 
play,  or  in  anger;  or  to  drench,  as  parents  among  the 
Indians  often  do  in  disciplining  their  children;  or     to 
pour  a  stream  of  imter  on  one?'    Other  translations 
had  been  made  by  Pedobaptisl  missionaries,  no  more  to 
the  purpose  than   this.     Such  versions  had  been    'en- 
couraged "  by  the  American  Bible  Society,  as  well  as 
those^made  by  Baptists.     Of  this  we  never  complained. 
Our  money  and  theirs  was  paid  into  a  common  treas>  ry, 
and  we  considered  it  no  more  than  common  justice  i  aat 
the  translations  of  all  should  be  supported.    The  differ- 
ent denominations,    and    missionaries   who    made  the 
translations,  would,  as  we  supposed,  be  responsible  to 
God  and  to  manldnd  for  them.    On  this  principle,  we 
would  have  gladly  co-operated  with  the  A.  B.  Society 
until  all  nations  should  have  read  in  "their  own  tongues 
the  wonderful  works  of  God."    But  when  the  ground 
was  boldly  taken,  that  the  Bible,  when  it  speaks  of  a 
solemn  chrisliiu  ordinance,  should  not  be  translated; 
that  the  millions  of  our  race  who  have  not  the  Bible, 
should  read  nothing  of  baptism,  or  be  compelled  to  read 
it  in  Greek,  we  could  go  no  further.    We  here  feel  it 
our  duty  to  "contend  earnestly  for  the  faith,"  though  the 
contention  should  become  so  sharp  as  to  part  us  from 
those  we  love  in  this  blessed  work. 

But  the  American  Bible  Society  has  patronized  ver- 
sions, diiferent  from  those  mentioned,  and  objectionable 
on  other  grounds. 

The  Russian  Bible,  e.  g.  does  not  translate  baptizo, 
but  substitutes  for  it  a  word  which  signifies  to  cross;  so 
that  it  would  read,  "Jesus  made  and  crossed  more  dis- 
ciples than  John."  "They  that  received  his  word, 
gladly  were  crossed."  "They  weni  down  into  ^  »"e 
water,  both  Philip  and  the  eunuch,  and  he  crossed  mm. 
This  could  be  circulated  in  Russian  "schools  and  com- 
munities." But  should  another  version  read,  that  they 
who  received   his  word  gladly  were  immersed;"  that 


~'-iBii«<iirinriiiii  i.'ii  I   m    ii-j 


*^i^^i«i- :V-*Sj5* 


^'#»4^'iw^',  -"^Ajfca*' "  ■  ■^iSI'*'' 


Hit' -I'lHi"  I  II  mil   iiliiKiinimi^ 


AL  A  NSON    L.    CO  VELL  . 


223 


ihey  went  down  into  the  water,  both  Philip  and  the 
eunuch,  and  he  immersed  him;"  the  managers  "do  not 

u  ?^  }^^  ^°  encourage  it !"  Of  course,  then,  we 
who  had  rather  be  immersed  than  crossed,  must  supnorl 
our  own  translations.* 

I  have  frequently',  of  late,  been  reminded  of  one  great 
objection  to  the  formation  of  a  new  Bible  Society.  It  is 
said  that  "  it  will  interrupt  the  harmony  of  christians, 
and  tend  more  than  anything  else  to  perpetuate  a  need- 
less controversy  about  baptism." 

It  can  hardly  be  possible  that  a  candid  man  would 
seriously  urge  this  objection,  after  he  had  carefully  con- 
sidered it.     If  the  words  in  question  are  not  to  be  trans- 
lated; if  they  are  to  be  transferred  into  all  the  languages 
of  the  heathen,  they  will  become  the  subject  of  ever- 
lasting dispute,  just  as  they  have  been  in  our  hn<rua<re 
Converts  will  ask  their  teachers  vvhat  these  words  mean? 
Baptists  will  tell  them  ihey  mean  immersion:  Pedobap- 
iists  will  them  they  mean  to  wet,  to  wash,  to  sprinkle 
or  to  throw  water  at  them.    Here  they  will  be  involved 
in  flat  contradictions  of  each  other.     The  very  Bible 
itself,  for  want  of  being  properly  translated,  will  be  the 
cause  of  perpelual  controversy  among  three-fourths  of 
the  human  race,  who  have  not  yet  received  it.    Who 
can  be  willing  to  throw  this  "apple  of  discord  "  amon«' 
the   millions  of  Asia?    The  way  to  stop  controversy 
about  baptism,  is  to  let  the  Bible  speak  for  itself,  and  to 
let  all  men  read  and  obey  it.    To  endeavor  to  stop  this, 
or  any  other  controversy,  by  obscurin;,',  concealing,  or 
withholding   the   truth,  is  popery.    The  great  sin  of 
Martin  Luther  against  "His  Holiness,"  was,  that  he 
translated  the  Bible  into  the  common  language  of  his 
country,  and  was  for  having  every  body  readmit.    The 
Pope  opposed  this.    He  would  have  men  pray  in  Latin, 
and  read  no  Bible  at  all.    Here  the  "  contention  became 
so  sharp  between  them,"  that  they  parted  forever. 

The  Baptists  are  now  committing,  on  a  large  scale, 
the  same  sin  that  Martin  Luiher  did.  They  are  trans- 
lating and  printing  the  Bible  in  the  difierent  languages 
ot  mankind,  and  are  anxious  that  all  the  world  should 
read  it.  This  they  believe  to  be  the  most  effectual  means 
to  promote  truth,  suppress  error,  and  "stop  controversy." 
To  suppress  any  part  of  truth,  to  obscure  it,  or  in  any 

*  See  Judd's  Review  of  Stewart,  a  ppcajivj  p.  175. 


224 


MEMOIR    or 


tf 


way  withhold  it  from  the  knowledaje  of  mankind,  they 
believe  lo  be  the  direct  way  to  promoie  error  a>jd  per- 
ueluate  conteniion  Let  those  brethren  who  introduet 
amon«'  the  millions  of  ihe  East  the  same  cause  of  coa- 
troverly  which  for  centuries  has  distressed  and  divided 
the  British  and  American  churches,  beware  of  arrojjaling 
to  themselves  exclusively  the  title  of  ''peace-makers. 
Let  them  not  "  heal  the  hurt  of  God's  people  slightly ; 
crying  peace,  peace,  when  there  is  no  peace,"  and  but 
fainl  prospects  of  it. 

Another  ^reat  objection  to  our  society,  is,  that  if  the 
Bible  is  translated  as  we  would  have  it,  all  who  read  il 
will  of  course  become  Baptists.  On  this  account,  it  19 
urged  that  we  ought  not  to  insist  upon  such  a  transla- 
tion; that  some  how,  in  a  spirit  of  generous  compromise, 
this  point  should  be  yielded,  and  men  left  free  to  practice 
immersion  or  sprinkling  as  they  please. 

Let  us  look  at  this  objection.  Let  it  be  admitted,  that 
if  the  scriptures  were  translated  as  we  contend  they 
ou<Tht  to  be,  all  converted  heothen  would  read  and  be 
immersed.  VVnatihen?  Would  they  have  done  wrongi 
The  very   men  who  make  this  objection,  confess  that 

immersion  is  valid  baptism,  ''go^V^'^r'T.ri'hl^.r 
God  "    What  harm  would  be  done,  then,  it  all  the  heatn- 
en  should  believe  and  be  immersed?    No  error  would  be 
taught  or  practiced;  nothing  wrong  believed  or  done.-- 
•What  then  are  the  dreadful  evils  that  would  result  from 
the  universal  practice  of  immersion?    Does  it  make  a 
man  le^s   praverful  to  immerse   him,   than  it  does  to 
sprinkle  him?'  Does  it  make  him  less  spiritual  y  mind- 
ed, less  active,  less  liberal  in  the  cause  of  God?     Ihe 
men  who  make  the  objection,  do  not  pretend  this.    U 
the  believing  heathen  were  all  sprinkled,  t^^ey  do  not 
pretend  that  they  would  be  any  more  holy  or  useful  than 
if  they  were  immersed.    Or  if  part  were  sprinkled,  oth- 
ers  poured,  and  others  immersed,  it  wotald  be  no  better 
than  if  all  were  immersed.    Lei  the  objection   stana, 
ther  in  all  its  force.    Let  it  be  admitted  that  if  all  men 
should  read    the  Bible  faithfully   translated    it  wou  d 
make  "immersion  the  only  baptism."    All  then  would 
be  mht,  our  opponents  being  the  j-idges.    For  tho  me> 
conJ^nd'that  Something  else  -will  do  as  well,"  they 
have  nothing  to  propose  that  will  po  better. 
Take  anotucr  view 


/vKinotion      Tf  ia  now  ad" 


ALANSOrr    L.    CO  VELL. 


m 


Willi   their   i).ipii<m.     Contn.vrrsv    would  cea«e     The 

hurchcs    -uou  ,1  ,|,en  have  rest  "from  strife  and  divis! 

ion;  and  "  uai  c,n,^  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in    he 

RZni:/l'll»   ^'-^^  'l-V  would  he' rx,ied" 


rn  tied  on  all  sides  that  immersion  was  the  practice  of 
or  several    hundred   year..     Immersion   was   then   the 

CNIVERMAL  PHACTlCn  OF  TMn  CHRIS    .AN  CHUnc"        ^'^0   e 

then  that  our  trans  at.ons  sho.ild  make  this  the  universal 
prac  ice  of  the  christian  church  again.  The  church 
would  then  ho.  on  this  point,  just  what  she  was  in  her 
bes    and   purest  days      Every   body  would  be /a  "=fied 

cTurch(l^'''...'^'!'':^  ''^^''     ThS 

ion 
com] 

fehou  d  our  translations  effect  all  this,  would  ihev  do  t he 
world  an  injury  ?     And  are  they  to  be  rejected  becii^e 
hey  have  this  tendency?    Will  they  mil  e  the  church 
loo  apostolic?  too  much  like  Christ? 

I  will  here  waive  any  further  consideration  of  the 
subject  m  thi.  point  of  view.  I  hope  and  prav  that  ag 
weleel  justified  belbre  God  and  mankind,  Keoroaa- 
izationot  the  American  and  Foreiirn  Bible  Socielv  we 
shall  be  united  and  liberal  in  its  support.  By^he  biers! 
H?lv  S^cr  ;'"^  missionaries  have  JlLdy  tril.slate  he 
Holy  Scriptures  into  langua^^es  spoken  bv  more  than 

S  t  r^"' f'"1  °^  '^''  =^°^^-  ^^hey  are  still  prayer- 
hb/J  zealously  engaged  in  this  responsible,  Vet 
blessed  worK  We  intend  never  to  rest  in  this  great 
enterprize,  ull  the  "Lamp  of  Life  ='  shines  upoa^the 
pathway  of  every  dweller  upon  earth. 

.Jlli'^t'  ^^'^.''"^  circumstances,  what  ought  to  be  the 
spin  by  which  the  half  million  of  American  Baptists 
should  be  animated?  God,  in  his  holy  providence,  la 
by  the  labors  of  holy  men,  our  own  hrelhnn,  furnisheci 
these  pure  translations  of  the  word  of  life  to  our  hands. 
He  has  put  thern  into  our  hands  in  this  eventful  a^e.and 
just  as  the  way  is  opening  for  the  diffusion  of  the'gospel 
among  all  nations.  What  can  be  his  design  iJtlfis 
unless  It  ,s  that  we  should,  withoi;t  delay,  gfve  to  man- 
kmd  a  pure,  unaltered,  unobscured  Bible.     As  the  an-el 

01  heaven,  let  us  fill  his  hands  with  these  "most  faith- 
ful" versions  of  the  Blessed  Word,  and  bid  him  s  a  er 
them  over  the  whole  earth  ! 

I    reioice    that   fhp    Rn^rH    n?    *Vt^     \      s.  -n    rk     r*       •    . 

—  _^..,u  yi   jQg  ^^  ui.jb.i3.  »3ociet7 


■'""rr- 


/  ■    .      A-  , 

226  ,  MEMOIR  OP    &C. 

have  recently  appropriated  ^2500  towards  the  publicatioa 
of  the  Revised  Edilioa  of  the  Bengalee  New  Testa- 
ment byMr'.  Yates.  So  that  the  labors  of  that  devoted 
Sonary  are  not  to  be  lost,  nor  the  Precious  Word 
Sed  to  32,000,000  of  our  fellow  men  who  are  ready  to 
receive  it.  Ttns,  however,  is  only  the  starting  point.- 
Thes?  waters  of'  lile  which  are  beginmng  to  flow  mus 
roll  on  in  a  deeper,  broader  channel,  till  like  the  waters 
of  Noah,  they  shall  cover  the  whole  earth,-not  to  de- 

^'^a'uld^  litSr-of  you  present  A«vTHmo  to  a  fallow 
creature  in  heathen  darkness,  it  would  be  tl^e  Bible.-- 
Thls  would  be  your  first,  best  gift  for  him.  There  are 
manv  hundreds  of  your  fellow  men  begging  of  your 
many   iiuuu.c^     „.'  ,  kpo-cr  ns    n  vam,  because 

missionaries  toi-  bibles,  ana  "^ot>V^^  '  '     iiu    .^ 

ihHV  ha\'8  none  to  give  them;     VVould  you  not  iiKe  lo 
Dut  a  few  mo?e  Biblfs  into  the  hands  of  your  missiona- 
Tes  and  iJuhem  give  them  to  the  anxious  heathen,  who 
wait  a  I  n  <^h  a  the  missionary's  door,  that  they  may  be 
rlsL  ro  ask  for  ;he  precicas  boon  -  J  -  ^^^-^lis 
A   haonv  convert  who  loved   his  b  ble,  saui  lo  nis 
teacher   "How  couki  you  christians,  in  your  country 
Aei)  this  sweet  honey  so  long  among  yourselves,  and 
not  sei^d  any  of  it  to  us?^'    Tu3  teacher  made  the  bes^ 
apoS  he  c'ould.    "But,"coritinuedhis  shrewd  disciple 
i'h  vi^ql  not  ri"ht  for  you  christians  to  be  sapng  bU 
LONG  to  ea  fi  other,\ow  good  this  honey  is !   how 
^WBET  this  honey  isl    Why  did  you  not^ break  off  a 
r,ippp  of  the  sweet  comb,  and  send  it  to  us/ 
^  Ye  friendrnf  the  Bible  and  of  mankind,   when  m 
vour  prave^    to  Ahnighty  God,  yon  say,  "  How  precious 
I.th  J  wo  d  unto  mel  sweeter  also  than  honey  or  the 
hoaevcomb'"  will  you  think  to  bieak  oft  a  piece  of  the 
1;:  ,^Vt  comb,"  and  Lnd  it  to  Y-b  perishing  fellow  men^ 
««  4  ve  would  that  men  should  do  unto  you,  DO  Yb. 
EVEN  SO  TO  THEM." 


cation 
resta- 
2voted 
Word 
lady  to 
oint. — 
',  must 
waters 
t  to  de- 
fellow 
3ible.— 
ere  aro 
of  your 
because 
t  like  to 
issiona- 
en,  who 
may  be 
ning? 
I  to  his 
country, 
ves,  and 
the  best 
disciple, 
ying  SO 
is !    how 
ak  off  a 


when  in 
precious 
sy  or  the 
ce  of  the 
low  men? 
DOYB 


